Will ‘Safe Leave’ Help with Leaving Safety?

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as behaviour consisting of physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, psychological, emotional or other abuse. It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct. The impact can be devastating for victims and their families.

Staggeringly, the Police recorded approximately 1.4 million domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes in the year ending March 2024 (The Office of National Statistics).

In today’s news (6 January 2025) Labour MP Alex McIntyre is calling for better protection for victims whereby an authorised period of paid leave from work may be granted to help those plan their escape from abusive relationships. This ‘safe leave’ would provide the time required in accessing medical care, attending the police station or accessing legal advice and ensuring victims have a secure place to stay in the absence of any further abuse.

In a bid to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill will be considered further in the House of Commons tomorrow (7 January 2025). If eventually brought into force the measure should not be seen as a workplace benefit, but an essential lifeline to a victim in rebuilding their future, without the sacrificing their financial stability or employment. 

At Everys we have specialist lawyers who will be able to advise you on the need for urgent protective injunctions, such as a Non-Molestation Order which could protect you, and your children, from direct or indirect pestering, harassing or intimidating behaviours as well as violence and threats of violence against you or your property. Where necessary, an Occupation Order may be necessary to prohibit a preparator’s legal right to enter and occupy a property to ensure a victim, and their children, can enjoy peaceful occupation without the risk of any further abuse. If you consider this means of protections necessary please contact familynewenquiries@everys.co.uk or our reception team at Exeter on 01392 477983 who will be able to assist you further.

If you are suffering domestic abuse and are in immediate danger you should call 999 – do not put yourself or your family at risk. Other helplines are below:

• Devon Domestic Abuse Service Helpline – 0345 155 1074
• National Domestic Violence helpline for women – 0808 801 247 (24 hours)
• National Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327 (Mon-Fri – 9am – 5pm)
• Galop – Making life safe for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people – 020 7704 2040.