We are proud to share that team members Zulieka Rehman and Sammi Lindop have recently completed specialist training to become Domestic Abuse Champions.
What is a domestic abuse champion?
As Domestic Abuse Champions, both Sammi and Zuleika will be a point of contact for anyone in the organisation, as well as our clients, who may be experiencing domestic abuse at home. From there, they will be able to signpost to local support resources. Sarah Longley, a solicitor specialising in family law, is already a Domestic Abuse Champion, having completed her training before she joined Ann McCabe Solicitors in 2022.
Ann McCabe Solicitors is clear in its position that there is never an excuse for domestic violence. It is wrong, and no one has the right to abuse or hurt another person. We will not tolerate domestic violence in the workplace or ignore it when it affects our employees and clients.
Our Domestic Abuse Champions are responsible for helping raise awareness and enhancing the overall level of knowledge of domestic abuse within Ann McCabe Solicitors.
Sammi and Zuleika bring empathy, understanding and a non-judgmental approach to their roles, making them strong and trusted Domestic Abuse Champions. Clients consistently express how supported and truly listened to they felt during some of their most difficult moments.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is suffered by both men and women. It goes beyond physical violence, encompassing any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This abuse can be, but is not limited to:
- Physical violence
- Emotional
- Sexual
- Psychological
- Financial control
For those who may be experiencing abuse at home, the workplace is often a safe place and respite away from their abuser. We believe it is vital to have Domestic Abuse Champions whom people feel safe turning to if they’re experiencing abuse at home. For many, colleagues may be the only people they speak to outside the home, placing them in a unique position to recognise signs of abuse and offer support.
Zuleika and Sammi are now trained to recognise the signs of abuse and are equipped to respond with care. They are also approachable and ready to offer support to anyone in need.
This training benefits not only our colleagues but also our clients. As family lawyers, we often work with individuals who have experienced–or are still experiencing–domestic abuse. It’s essential that they feel safe opening up, so our Domestic Abuse Champions can guide them toward the right support services.
Who to contact if you are a victim of domestic abuse
New Era provides services to support victims of domestic abuse and can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year through their confidential telephone line: 0300 3033778 or through their website: www.new-era.uk. They offer free confidential support, one-to-one and within a group, as well as assistance in accessing accommodation.
Glow domestic abuse victim services (part of the Honeycomb Group) offer a free, confidential helpline Monday to Friday, 9-5. They can be contacted on 0330 0945559. They also have dedicated helplines which are available 24/7 to assist in seeking safe accommodation:
- Stoke on Trent safe accommodation – 01782 817055
- Newcastle under Lyme safe accommodation – 01782 713737
- Staffordshire Moorlands safe accommodation – 01538 267093
ManKind Initiative offer support to male victims of domestic abuse. They have a confidential helpline available Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am – 4pm. Their contact number is 01823 334244. They offer support, share guidance on reporting abuse and provide practical advice on safely leaving the relationship.
Legal aid lawyers
Victims of domestic abuse may be eligible for legal aid to help cover legal costs when applying for protection from the courts. At Ann McCabe Solicitors, we offer free initial advice by telephone but do not offer legal aid. Local legal aid lawyers dealing with domestic abuse include:
Call us for free initial advice on 01782 627589
About the author
Sammi Lindop is a qualified Paralegal with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and is now training to be a solicitor. She has specialised in family law throughout her legal career, spanning over 20 years. She offers free initial advice by telephone.