The Domestic Abuse Drop in Centre is now in its 8th year of helping sufferers of domestic abuse. During this time the Centre has been able to help victims who have called into the centre by providing legal advice and emotional support, often obtaining emergency injunctions and non-molestation orders the same day.
Throughout the pandemic and lockdown period, the Drop in Centre was not able to open for face to face meetings, however, the Centre continued to provide legal advice and support and attend Court Hearings remotely. Many victims were relieved that they could get help at a time when they felt that they were completely isolated.
Domestic abuse affects women, men and children in all manner of family relationships and walks of life and can be physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, financial or verbal.
Suzanne Oldnall is Head of the Domestic Abuse Team and the Domestic Abuse Drop In Advice Centre at QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright.
She has over 30 years experience in Family Law, in particular, Suzanne specialises in domestic abuse cases, emergency injunctions and non molestation orders.
Suzanne is well respected by the Police and professional support services for her caring and sensitive approach. If you are suffering from domestic abuse and need assistance please call into the Drop in Centre or if you would prefer to speak to a member of the team on the telephone you can contact us on 01905 721600. You will not need to make an appointment. In an emergency situation always dial 999 for Police Assistance.
A selection of letters from sufferers of domestic abuse who have used the Drop in Centre over the past 8 years.
"To Sue and your team, thank you for all your support and assistance in making the biggest decision I have ever had to make. For changing my life and that of my children. At last we are now a very relaxed and happy family. I now have the confidence to live a life and have a choice. Once again I send my thanks, without your support I think I would probably still be unhappy in an abusive relationship. Now I am free and feel that independence day for me was the day I walked into your office and you listened. Thank you so much."
"Suzanne Oldnall gave me the courage to leave and her empathetic approach was just what I needed at the time. What a relief, I now have freedom. Many women leaving domestic abuse start a new life with nothing. I consider myself fortunate to be able to start afresh. I have truly appreciated the way that you have supported me into a new future."
"At the time, I thought that my world was ending, coming to see you made me stronger and more confident to go ahead. Having that as a foundation I am no longer as scared as I used to be. I realise that I didn't actually do anything wrong to cause this situation. I remember that you gave me a small hug at the end of our meeting and told me I was a lovely person. It had been such a long time since I had been told anything so nice."
"Thank you for being such an important part of both mine and my child’s life and thank you for giving me the strength to carry on and survive. You are a credit to QualitySolicitors Parkinson Wright and I tell others in similar situations to come and see you, simply due to how you treated me."
"I am blown away by your integrity and all the hard work you have done for me and my children. I will always be grateful for all of your efforts to keep us together. You worked so hard to ensure the best possible outcome on my behalf, I cannot thank you enough. I want to say a big thank you for all your support, your kindness and for always believing in me. You helped me to learn and grow so much that I now believe in myself."
"Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication. The last few years have been horrific and there were times when I felt like giving up but you helped to keep me going. You have saved my life but more importantly my child's life. I can never thank you enough. You are an inspiration to women everywhere. Thank you."