Learn how to cover your tracks online
Take legal action
Find out what legal action you can take to protect you and your children from domestic abuse.
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
Apply for a residence order
This is a court order that can be used to keep your children with you. Also known as a child arrangements order.
Learn more about making child arrangements on GOV.UK
Apply for a prohibited steps order
This is a court order that can be used to prevent children being taken out of the country.