October is domestic abuse month so this October, I will be taking on "Walk 62 Miles in October 2026 for Refuge" to stand alongside women and children who deserve safety, support, and hope for the future. We all know domestic abuse is devastatingly common, but most people do not realise just how common it is. 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in some form in their lifetime and on average 1 women is killed every 5 days by a partner or former partner. In my role as a Solicitor I regularly assist survivors of domestic abuse by obtaining Non Molestation Orders to provide the immediate protection of the Court.

Domestic Abuse can be defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour – including sexual and physical violence. With continued changes to the law Domestic Abuse can include:

-psychological and or emotional abuse

-physical and sexual abuse

-financial or economic abuse

-harassment and stalking

-online or digital abuse

Refuge provides vital specialist services for survivors of domestic, sexual and emotional abuse, including the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which can so often be the first step toward a safer future for so many people although equally the period immediately after a partner attempts to leave or ends a relationship is often one of the most dangerous phases for escalation in stalking, violence, or lethal threats.

The need is urgent and deeply personal for so many people, on average the Police receive a domestic abuse call every 30 seconds, this is despite the fact that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the Police. By supporting Refuge, you are helping to protect lives, offer practical help, and give survivors the chance to rebuild with dignity and strength.

Every step I take is in solidarity with those who should never have to face abuse alone. I am aiming to raise £500, and every donation, whatever the amount, will make a meaningful difference, together we can help to change lives for the better.

You can seek help from Clares Law also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) which is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse. You can apply on behalf of yourself or someone else for this information. Statistics show that having a prior criminal record for violence or abuse against partners or family members is a primary red flag associated with increased risk of harm. Courts can provide protection in the form of Restraining Orders, Non Molestation Orders or Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to legally restrict the perpetrator's contact or behaviour to the survivor. If you would like to discuss a Non Molestation Order then you can seek advice from Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors. You can email me at Nicola.Bennetts@absolicitors.com.