Goughs furthers dedication to victims of domestic violence
In addition to the work it has always done to support those who suffer domestic violence, Wiltshire legal practice Goughs Solicitors is now increasing awareness of the issue and furthering its services to enable the support of more victims.
One of the most emotional and difficult situations lawyers deal with are those where someone is trying to leave an abusive relationship and the Goughs family team becomes the victim’s support network and safety net. For this reason, knowledge-enhancing training has taken place to give the team the emotional tools and resources they need to support victims.
Natalie Kemp, Senior Associate and Head of the Domestic Violence Team said, “I am thrilled to work at an organisation where the support of victims is given the time and resources it requires to truly be able to support victims. Not only are we experts in the law, meaning we can act swiftly and appropriately to protect individuals, but we can ensure we enable victims to move on with their lives in a positive way. The training I have personally undertaken has really embedded the need for such support in the communities in which we operate.”
A further part of the commitment has been the set-up of a free monthly Family Law clinic with FearFree. FearFree is a charity which brings together services for victims of Domestic Abuse and their families.
Due to its accessibility and the range of victims it supports, FearFree was chosen to be Goughs’ charity partner from April 2023 – March 2024. The partnership with the Trowbridge-based charity has been continued to truly support victims. Individuals are given appointments with lawyers in a comfortable environment, away from the usual legal office.
Jessica Severn, Wiltshire Service Manager at FearFree said, “We are pleased that Goughs chose to partner with FearFree in offering those we support such an invaluable legal and emotional consultation. Often victims of domestic violence don’t know where to start with legal proceedings so it’s brilliant that we can point them in the right direction with such a highly dedicated legal team.”
In a testament to Goughs, Chambers & Partners legal directory described the firm’s client service as “first class.”
Pictured above: (Left to right) Alice Blackmore, Georgia Holmes, Rhianna Cole, Georgina Catlin, Amelia Cruise, Mark Hood, Natalie Kemp and Hannah Francis, family lawyers at Goughs
