Our articles are written by experts in their field and include barristers, solicitors, judges, mediators, academics and professionals from a range of related disciplines. Family Law provides a platform for debate for all the important topics, from divorce
and care proceedings to transparency and access to justice. If you would like to contribute please email
editor@familylaw.co.uk.
The Archers: how legal support can help the real-life Helens escape domestic abuse
© Copyright LexisNexis 2024. All rights reserved.
Recent changes to the law on domestic abuse could have helped Archers character Helen Titchener to escape her husband Rob before she reached crisis point and stabbed him according to a leading family lawyer.
The long-running BBC Radio 4 soap opera has caused controversy with its storyline featuring Rob's coercive behaviour towards Helen which reached a climax when she lost control and stabbed him.
However
Rayner Grice a family law specialist at Clarke Willmott pointed out that a new offence that was introduced last year under the Serious Crime Act could have helped Helen to leave Rob or have him removed from the family home.
She said:
'Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 creates a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships.
'The offence carries a maximum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment a fine or both and sends a clear message that this type of abuse is taken seriously and punishable by law.'
Ms Grice a partner and head of the Family Team at Clarke...
Read the full article here.
