What legal options can protect you from domestic abuse?
If you have been experiencing domestic abuse – whether that is violent, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, honour-based or coercive control – there may be a legal option that can provide protection from your abuser.
There are two types of court order or ‘injunctions’ under the Family Court that you may be able to apply for:
A non-molestation order - This will prevent someone from being violent, threatening violence, harassing or intimidating you.
An occupation order - This is to exclude someone from your home.
How do you start proceedings?
Taking out a court order is a legal process that requires legal forms and formal evidence of abuse to be presented to the court.
We know that can feel a little daunting, but we’re here to guide you through it, and to help you make the right choices.
- You can use our Find Local Help map to search and connect with an expert who may be able to support you
- You can call us Monday – Friday on 0203 745 7707 or leave a message out of hours and we’ll help you work out the best option for you
- You can email us at [email protected]
Other options
For information on other options or legal issues relating to domestic abuse you can:
- Use our Support Nav tool to find legal information
- Read Rights of Women’s guide Leaving an abusive relationship: what are my legal options?
- Get advice on reports to the police and criminal law using FLOWS Answers
Can you get legal aid for domestic abuse?
If you live in England or Wales, you may qualify for legal aid if you have evidence that you or your children have been victims of domestic abuse or violence.
Understanding legal aid can be complicated, but don’t worry. You can get help from the FLOWS service, whether you qualify for legal aid or not.
For help understanding your options:
- You can use our search Find Local Help to connect with an expert who may be able to support you
- You can call us Monday – Friday on 0203 745 7707 or leave a message out of hours and we’ll help you work out the best option for you
- You can email us at [email protected]
- You can read a guide to family law legal aid
What can you expect from FLOWS?
Incredible understanding and knowledge from the lady who took my call. She was super helpful and informative.
– FLOWS service user
Read more comments from people we have helped.