Take legal action

Find out what legal action you can take to protect you and your children from domestic abuse.

WarningIf you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 now. If you're in danger but can't talk, make a silent 999 call.

Get advice from a solicitor

You can get advice from a solicitor about your rights and how to take legal action to stop domestic abuse. You may be able to claim legal aid to pay the costs if you are on a low income or receiving benefits.

Find a solicitor through the Law Society

Get a free emergency injunction through the National Centre for Domestic Violence

Legal action you can take

These are some of the legal measures you can take to protect yourself against domestic abuse.

Take your abuser to court

If you report a crime and there is enough evidence for a criminal prosecution, the Crown Prosecution Service may bring the case to court.

A criminal charge of assault and battery will usually require medical evidence.

You will need to go to court to testify.

Apply for a non-molestation order

A non-molestation order can be issued against a partner or ex-partner to stop them abusing, threatening, intimidating or pestering you or your child.

It is a civil court order, which means that you apply for it through a court rather than the police.

Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence.

Learn more about applying for a non-molestation order on GOV.UK

Apply for an occupation order

This dictates who can live in the family home, and can stop your abuser from entering the surrounding area.

If you don't feel safe living with your partner, or if you have left home because of abuse but want to return, you might want to apply for an occupation order.

Learn more about applying for an occupation order on GOV.UK