Domestic Violence Legal Services

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• Same-day emergency applications where needed (known as “without notice” applications).
   
• Clear advice on Non-Molestation Orders (to stop harassment, threats, or contact) and Occupation Orders (who can live in or return to the home). There’s no court fee to apply.
   
• Practical safety planning and special measures so you don’t have to face an abuser in court (screens, video link, separate waiting areas; abusers can’t cross-examine victims in person).
   
• Advice on police disclosure.
   

Stops someone from using or threatening violence, harassing, pestering, contacting you (directly or via others), or coming near your home/school/work. Breaching an NMO is a criminal offence—call the police if it’s broken. 

Who can apply? People “personally connected”/“associated” (partners/ex-partners, close family, people you’ve lived with, share a child with, etc.). 

How long does it last? Judges set the length; many final orders are 6–12 months and can be extended if protection is still needed. 

Tells the court who can live in or return to the home, or to stay away from it. Some OOs are limited to up to 6 months at a time (with possible extensions). 

A newer all-in-one protective order created by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. No court fee to apply. Availability and processes are being rolled out nationally—ask us if it’s right for you.

It’s not only physical violence. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 says abuse can be controlling/coercive behaviour, emotional/psychological, economic abuse, threats, sexual abuse, as well as physical. Children who see/hear the abuse are victims in their own right. 

1. Talk to us in confidence. We’ll check which order fits and whether an urgent “without notice” application is justified (e.g., risk of significant harm, risk you’ll be deterred from applying if the abuser is warned).
    
2. Paperwork we prepare with you:
    
   • FL401 application form, supporting witness statement, and C8 if you need to keep your address confidential.
      

1. Emergency decision. The court can decide the same day on paper or at a quick hearing if the risk merits it. A full hearing follows shortly so both sides can be heard.
    
2. Service & policing. The order must be served on the respondent before it can be enforced. If you’re unrepresented, the court can arrange free service . Always keep a copy; call police on breach.
3. Final order & enforcement. Breaching an NMO is a criminal offence; an Occupation Order can include a power of arrest where appropriate.
    

Good to know: Courts shouldn’t accept an “undertaking” (a promise) instead of an NMO where violence has been used or threatened—that’s when a formal order is needed.
 

• No court fee to apply for NMOs, OOs or DAPOs.
   
• You may be able to get legal aid for advice/representation depending on your income/savings and the case merits. Use the official checker or ask us.
   

• Housing help: Victims who are homeless because of domestic abuse have automatic priority need for council homelessness assistance in England.
   
• Police disclosure (“Clare’s Law”): You can ask the police if a partner has a history of abuse (“Right to Ask/Know”).
   
• Tech safety: Browse in private; consider a “quick exit” button on this page; our team can share a safety plan.
   

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247 (Refuge).
   
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327.
   
• 999 in an emergency (and press 55 if you can’t speak).
   

Do I have to tell the other person I’m applying?
Not always. The court can grant an urgent order without notice if there’s a risk of significant harm or you might be deterred if they’re warned—then holds a full hearing soon after. 

What evidence do I need?
Your witness statement is essential. Include specific incidents (dates, messages, police/medical notes if any). You can apply even if you haven’t reported to the police. We’ll draft it with you in plain English. 

Will I have to face them in court?
Courts must protect vulnerable parties (screens, video link, separate entrances). Direct cross-examination by an abuser is banned—a court-appointed lawyer asks the questions instead. 

How long will an order last?
There’s no fixed rule; many NMOs are 6–12 months and can be extended. Some Occupation Orders are up to 6 months at a time (extendable).