The true scale of domestic violence remains largely hidden, according to CBTC Solicitors.

And, while much better understood, it continues to be something of an enigma, according to the Stratford-Upon-Avon and West Bromwich law firm which holds a Legal Aid Contract for Family Law.

Legal Assistant Melissa Buchanan, based at the Stratford-Upon-Avon office CBTC Solicitors, highlighted figures from the organisation Refuge citing how two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner, one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic violence in their lifetime and, though the vast majority of victims are indeed women, 19 per cent are men.

“There is still a perception in some quarters that domestic violence is largely an issue for deprived sectors of society in the grimmer parts of our big cities, with the likes of ‘up-market’ towns such as Stratford-Upon-Avon generally immune.

But that is a fallacy. It goes right across the board, affecting every strata of society. You just don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

And, despite hostels and safe houses where individuals can take shelter, domestic violence is still vastly under-reported, given the ‘shame’ and the torn allegiances experienced by those involved.

We very much want to help those who are vulnerable and, with a Family Legal Aid Contract, victims can come to us for assistance without fear of racking up big bills. The message is – we are here and we can help.”

The University of Birmingham graduate, who hails from Coventry, is currently taking the profession’s Legal Practice Course towards becoming a trainee solicitor after the summer.

She is working alongside Paul Breen who leads the Family Law department at Clark Brookes Turner Cary.

It deals with all aspects of Family Law including divorce, separation, pre-nuptial agreements, co-habitation agreements, the legal aspects of civil partnerships and Children Act cases.

“Our focus is on timely advice which is often needed urgently, particularly in domestic violence cases, which we know from experience is of the utmost importance.”