Expanding its family law practice to offer more protection for victims of domestic abuse and to work for children’s best interests, Harrison Clark Rickerbys has brought domestic violence expert Victoria Pratt into its family team in the Wye Valley.

Victoria, an associate solicitor, who also lectures on domestic abuse and has chaired a Home Office domestic violence homicide review, has focused on this area of law for more than 20 years, and has seen the devastation which abuse can cause.

She said: “I detest bullying and violence – I am absolutely passionate about protecting anyone who has been the victim of domestic abuse. About 104 people every year are murdered within a domestic abuse situation, which is a shocking fact. I want my clients to know that, with my help, they can become a very different person, free of the abuse they have suffered and in control of their own lives.”

Andy Caldicott, head of family law for the firm, said: “Victoria’s expertise is invaluable – I am delighted that she is joining us, enabling us to offer support and protection to those who are most vulnerable. She is an acknowledged expert in her field and I know that we will all benefit from her passion for her clients.”