Citizens Advice has revealed that it has helped more than 5,400 people involved in domestic abuse in the year from October 2014, representing a 24 per cent increase on the same period 12 months previously.
Figures from the organisation show that the number of those seeking help from the group for emotional abuse was up by 15 per cent, while the number of people asking for help for financial abuse climbed by 42 per cent.
These statistics come as coercive and controlling behaviour is made an official criminal offence.
Chief executive of Citizens Advice Gillian Guy said: “More and more people are coming to Citizens Advice because they are experiencing abuse by a partner or loved one including restrictions on accessing their own money, forcing them to take on debts and spying on them online. The government’s change in the law making coercive control a criminal offence is an important step forward in protecting victims of domestic abuse and helping them find a way out.”
She added that the government must need to consider whether victims of abuse have access to the support they need, through legal aid and the justice system.
If you are in a difficult relationship and have been the victim of domestic abuse, it can be hard to know where to turn to. If you need the assistance of Cheshire family law experts, get in touch with us at Quality Solictors Belshaws. We can offer you support and understanding, and will make your safety our priority.