LOCAL law firm, Goughs solicitors, is stepping up its efforts to support victims of domestic violence.
The family law team with an office in Bath Road, Melksham, is expanding its services to better serve those affected by domestic abuse.
“Goughs has been a part of the Wiltshire landscape for over 140 years. Its long-standing success is undoubtedly in part due to the commitment it shows to the people and communities in which it operates,” said Laura Cole, the firm’s marketing director.
“The family team have, for a long time, worked with victims of domestic abuse but more recently have committed to further the levels of support and excellence offered. One of the most emotional and difficult situations lawyers deal with are those where someone is trying to leave an abusive relationship; the Goughs team become 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 their accessibility and range of victims they support, FearFree were 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 and the work they have been doing, Chambers & Partners legal directory commented, “Goughs’ client service is first class. Their clients are well looked after, supported and given that next level of customer service. There is always someone available to talk to and provide advice and support. Their communication is excellent.”
Goughs Solicitors was established in 1882 and now boasts seven offices based throughout Wiltshire including in Melksham with over 130 members of staff. The firm provides legal services for both individuals and businesses including: divorce, separation, finance and children, employment law, wills, trusts & probate, commercial & residential property services, housing & land development and corporate services.
For more details visit www.goughs.co.uk or call 01225 703036.
Pictured left to right: Alice Blackmore, Georgia Holmes, Rhianna Cole, Georgina Catlin, Amelia Cruise, Mark Hood, Natalie Kemp, Hannah Francis
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