BOOK REVIEW: Domestic Violence – Law and Practice, Sixth Edition

This is a welcome book for practitioners and judges engaged in this very important area of law. The previous edition has been updated to take account of procedural and legislative changes, as well as the introduction of the unified family court.

The book is very comprehensive. It not only addresses the staple topics of non-molestation orders and occupation orders, it also covers the related subjects of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Personal Protection Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders. The relevant legislation and procedural rules appear as appendices towards the end of the book.

In that sense, it probably contains much, if not all, of what a practitioner would need at court when dealing with a family injunction.

However, the main draw for family practitioners has to be the book’s practical application. The introductory section not only provides checklists of the criteria applicable to family law injunctions, it then goes on to provide flowcharts relating to both non-molestation orders and occupation orders, under the various sections of the Family Law Act 1996.

The author then focuses on the tricky area of enforcement. He shares his evidently wide practical experience of such issues and provides invaluable guidance to those who venture into the minefield of the enforcement of family law orders.

The author offers yet more pragmatic guidance on the interaction between domestic violence issues and related family law proceedings. Again, this is anchored in the depth and breadth of the author’s experience and offers invaluable discussion of the relevant topics.

This is a truly excellent guide to the law and practice relating to domestic violence. It is relevant, steeped in practical guidance, up to date and provides an excellent ‘one-stop shop’ for busy practitioners representing clients in court.

Ros Bever is a partner in the family team at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester