How we can help you
Domestic violence refers to any incident of threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse (including but not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse) between adults who are in or have been in an intimate relationship or are members of the same family, regardless of gender or sexuality, as defined by the Family Law Act 1996.
Abusers or perpetrators may use various methods to control and abuse their victims. These methods can be classified into five general categories which are listed below.
Financial
Financial abuse is the use or misuse or funds or other monetary resources.
Physical
Physical abuse is the threat of harm, violence or any forceful physical behaviour.
Sexual
Sexual abuse is any forced or coerced sexual act or behaviour.
Emotional
Emotional abuse is any use of words, voice, action or lack of action meant to control, hurt or demean another person.
Identity
Identity abuse is using personal characteristics to demean, manipulate and control.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is possible that the police are already involved. However, you may be afraid to support the prosecution due to the risk of retaliation. In fact, only about 7 out of 10 victims are willing to support a prosecution for this reason. There may also be insufficient evidence for the prosecution to charge the abuser, or the police may need to conduct further investigations before making a charging decision.
If you require immediate protection with a court order there are several options available to you:
Apply for Legal Aid,
Paying privately for legal representation in court,
Apply directly to the court as a Litigant In Person
If you are not eligible for legal aid and require legal representation, we can get quotes from solicitors on our panel to represent you. If neither of these options is applicable, we can assist you in applying directly to the courts as a litigant in person.
Occupation Order
An Occupation Order is a court order that is used to remove an abuser from a home that they have a legal right to occupy. An Occupation Order carries a power of arrest.
Prohibited Steps Order
If a parent has parental responsibility, they have the right to make decisions about important matters such as education, healthcare, and religion without consulting the other parent. However, a Prohibited Steps Order is a court order that can restrict a parent's right to make such decisions.
Non-Molestation Order
A Non-Molestation Order is a court order that is designed to protect victims of domestic abuse from further harm. It prohibits your partner/ex-partner or family member from contacting you directly or indirectly and can be used to ensure your protection and safety.
If the Respondent breaches any of the terms in the order, they could be arrested, as a Non-Molestation Order carries a power of arrest.
Domestic violence refers to any incident of threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse (including but not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse) between adults who are in or have been in an intimate relationship or are members of the same family, regardless of gender or sexuality, as defined by the Family Law Act 1996.
Abusers or perpetrators may use various methods to control and abuse their victims. These methods can be classified into five general categories which are listed below: