Basingstoke’s leading law firm, Lamb Brooks recently took part in a useful and thought-provoking training session held by Hampshire charity, The YOU Trust.

The Dragonfly Project (associated with The YOU Trust) seeks to identify victims of domestic violence and abuse and support those who are isolated within their own communities. The project is looking to develop further in Hampshire, after being established in Dorset for some time, so that they can offer their valuable services to those in need across the region.

Lamb Brooks are the first law firm in North Hampshire to complete the training and are delighted to be involved in the project so as a Family Law specialist they can raise awareness of such an important issue and also be aware of how to spot the warning signs when their own clients could be in need of help.

Commenting on the Champion Status, Rob Parker, Partner and Head of the Family Law Team commented: “Myself and the family team are pleased to be involved in such a crucial project that is developing in our region. Having seen in the media the growing concerns about domestic violence, particularly over the lockdown period, our department were keen to learn more about the issue and see where we, as an established specialist in Family Law, can assist men, women and children who experience this abuse”.

Calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline were up 80% in June according to the charity Refuge.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are affected by domestic abuse in their lifetimes, with 2 women a week sadly being killed by their perpetrators and a further 3 women a week taking their own lives.

From taking part in the course, the Family Law Team learned many more shocking statistics about domestic abuse which includes controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour as well as stalking and physical violence. They also spent time looking at the laws that have been introduced over the years and the warning indicators that someone in an abusive relationship may show.

The Family Law Team are well-versed in dealing with sensitive and often upsetting family situations, however the course was truly grounding and eye-opening when it comes to hearing about the daily struggles that victims of domestic abuse suffer, and with the right support, aim to manage or escape from.

Lesley Morton, Course Facilitator and ICEP DVA Worker at The YOU Trust commented: “We are really pleased to work with progressive law firms such as Lamb Brooks. It is great to have some new Champions on board with the Dragonfly Project and hold training courses with businesses who are so dedicated and keen to give back to their local communities”.

If you are willing to see how you can help support the project or are looking for advice about Family Law or Domestic Violence Support for you / on behalf of someone you know please find some useful telephone numbers and website below.

Get Involved or Become a Champion

The You Trust / Dragonfly Project: 01329 825 930 or visit https://theyoutrust.org.uk/

Valuable Support

DV Support Hampshire: 0800 916 9878

National DV Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Legal Advice and Support: Lamb Brooks Solicitors: 01256 844888 or visit our Family Page

Other Articles You May Be Interested in Reading:

How Might Covid-19 Affect Relationships

Cooped Up Couples: Is Lockdown the Final Straw?

10 Things You Can Do To Prepare For Divorce

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice.  The law may have changed since this article was published.   Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.