Firm News | 2.12.24

Wansbroughs launches domestic abuse (DA) policy

Wansbroughs has enhanced its commitment to combatting domestic violence by launching a new Domestic Abuse (DA) policy and pledging free legal support to any staff member experiencing domestic violence.

The new policy forms part of a wider effort by the firm to raise awareness of domestic violence; equipping staff with the knowledge of how to respond to and support an individual affected by domestic abuse.

Wansbroughs’ Family team is championing the new policy and legal support available.

The Family team includes a highly respected public law team that represents parents, relatives and children’s guardians in cases involving complex issues, non-accidental injuries, international and jurisdiction elements and child exploitation.

Partner and Team Leader of the Family team, Naomi Owen is only too aware of the prevalence and impact domestic violence can have with two-thirds of her client matters now having an element of domestic abuse.

Naomi and the Family team are leading the launch of the Domestic Abuse Policy and have recently provided specialist training sessions for Partners and Managers at the firm about domestic violence.

Domestic abuse statistics:

• One in seven men and one in four women will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime (ONS 2022/23).
• 75% of women who experience domestic abuse are targeted while at work (ECHR)
• On average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days in England and Wales (Refuge)

Naomi is also part of an Independent Advisory Group (IAG) for Wiltshire Police and works with the Courts and Judges to improve Family Justice.

In 2022, Wansbroughs became the first corporate sponsor of Wiltshire Community Foundation’s (WCF) Women and Girls Fund, a dedicated fund to support local charities and community groups running projects that challenge the inequality, abuse and discrimination experienced by women and girls.  Additionally, earlier this year, Wansbroughs, WCF and The Marchioness of Lansdowne joined forces to deliver a sell-out event to discuss the issues around tackling violence against women and girls.

Naomi Owen, Partner and Team Leader said:

“It is great to see so many of our Partners and senior leaders across the firm stepping up to raise awareness of domestic violence and its prevalence in all areas of society. The new domestic abuse policy reinforces our commitment to supporting staff and others who may be impacted by domestic violence. 

“As well as supporting our staff and clients, we are dedicated to our work with local authorities and support groups working to break the cycle of abuse.”