What You Can Do to Help Protect Yourself from Domestic Abuse

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it’s vital to understand the steps you can take to protect yourself. This article outlines what you can do to help protect yourself from domestic abuse, including seeking legal protections and understanding your rights, so you can move toward safety and support.

Introducing a clear statutory definition of domestic abuse, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 made clear that it is not just physical violence but can also include emotional, coercive, economic, and controlling behaviour. Prosecutions under various laws, such as controlling behaviour under the Serious Crime Act 2015 or assault under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, can follow and the statutory definition of domestic abuse helps victims access support and strengthens legal action.

There are several legal options to help safeguard yourself from domestic abuse, including injunctions and court orders under the Family Law Act 1996. These include non-molestation orders that prevent an abuser from threatening or contacting the victim and/or restrictions on coming into a certain area such as where the victim lives, and occupation orders which restrict an abuser’s rights to live in or enter a shared home. These orders are accessible through the Family Court.

In immediate danger, contact the police. They can issue Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs), followed by Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs).

A DVPN/DVPO can temporarily remove an abuser from the property and prohibit contact. These measures give victims breathing room to seek further legal protections or make alternative living arrangements.

For situations not involving police action, the Family Courts provides a range of options, including emergency orders, such as non-molestation or occupation orders. Arrest and criminal charges can follow if these orders are breached.

There are other non-legal ways to also support victims who are experiencing domestic abuse such as domestic abuse agencies and refuges and the location of these vary depending on where you live.

Before consulting a domestic violence or abuse solicitor, you may need more urgent support. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police.

You can also seek support by calling:

The National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247

Refuge National Domestic Abuse on 0808 2000 247

As leading family lawyers in Milton Keynes, we can help advise you about court ordered protections against abusive partners. In addition to our head office in Milton Keynes, we also have solicitors in Bicester, Watford, and Central London. Talk to us in confidence and find out where you stand. Get in touch – we’re here to help.

This article is intended for the use of our clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it reflects the author’s view and is believed to be correct at the date of publication. However, it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional legal advice.