As a family lawyer I can’t help but feel dismay at the current story line. I’ve found myself talking to Helen via the radio: get some help, confide in your friend, go and see a family lawyer.
The power games, the psychological manipulation, the undermining and isolating behaviour Rob has displayed is an all too familiar theme that will resonate with lawyers like me who specialise in matrimonial matters.
Given last night’s episode (spoiler alert) my heart sank because Helen’s situation has become far worse and it is less likely a family lawyer will be able to do anything to rescue her. She most likely needs a criminal lawyer as she faces the aftermath of yesterday’s event. For months, listeners have heard Helen and Rob’s relationship develop into an abusive one. Poor Helen had determined to leave but such was the overwhelming power that Rob had over her she now faces criminal charges.
The storyline has gripped many, possibly because the listener recognises a friend or family member, maybe even themselves, trapped in a relationship where the power imbalance is such that an individual feels helpless. If this is you, or someone you know, then urge them to get help.
Look at www.Resolution.org.uk website to find a lawyer in your area who specialises in family matters. If you can call, explain immediately that it may be difficult for you to talk and that the utmost discretion is required with the telephone number being used to make the call. I say this because lawyers can be busy and getting through to a lawyer straight away is not always possible. Even saying something like “I’m like Helen from The Archers storyline” would give enough information for insight into the caller’s predicament.
For more information about domestic abuse and support look at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3FQFSnx6SZWsQn3TJYYlFNy/information-and-support-domestic-abuse
http://www.hartbrown.co.uk/the-archers/
The power games, the psychological manipulation, the undermining and isolating behaviour Rob has displayed is an all too familiar theme that will resonate with lawyers like me who specialise in matrimonial matters.
Given last night’s episode (spoiler alert) my heart sank because Helen’s situation has become far worse and it is less likely a family lawyer will be able to do anything to rescue her. She most likely needs a criminal lawyer as she faces the aftermath of yesterday’s event. For months, listeners have heard Helen and Rob’s relationship develop into an abusive one. Poor Helen had determined to leave but such was the overwhelming power that Rob had over her she now faces criminal charges.
The storyline has gripped many, possibly because the listener recognises a friend or family member, maybe even themselves, trapped in a relationship where the power imbalance is such that an individual feels helpless. If this is you, or someone you know, then urge them to get help.
Look at www.Resolution.org.uk website to find a lawyer in your area who specialises in family matters. If you can call, explain immediately that it may be difficult for you to talk and that the utmost discretion is required with the telephone number being used to make the call. I say this because lawyers can be busy and getting through to a lawyer straight away is not always possible. Even saying something like “I’m like Helen from The Archers storyline” would give enough information for insight into the caller’s predicament.
For more information about domestic abuse and support look at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3FQFSnx6SZWsQn3TJYYlFNy/information-and-support-domestic-abuse
http://www.hartbrown.co.uk/the-archers/
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