Leaving Domestic Abuse
Leaving domestic abuse is a big step in the right direction.
If you are experiencing Domestic Abuse
- Tell a trusted person that you are in an abusive relationship
- Document your injuries (safely)
- Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk): 0808 200 247 or chat online 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- Devise a personal safety plan
- Remember it’s not your fault!
- Call 999 if you are in imminent danger remember Silent Solutions – press 55 when prompted by the operator if it’s not safe for you to talk
- Seek legal advice
Domestic Abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.
Domestic Abuse can happen to anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.
Just because a victim has managed to get away from their abuser, doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t continue to use extreme caution. While the abuse may appear to be over, the perpetrator may have different plans.
When a victim finally makes the decision to leave, that period of time during and after can actually be more dangerous than the abuse itself when the perpetrator can feel a huge loss of control.
Getting Help
Everything mentioned prior to this was not said in order to scare or deter you, especially if you happen to be a victim of Domestic Abuse.
It’s crucial that you get away from your abuser, but we also want you to realise the seriousness of your situation once you’ve decided to take that step.
If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Abuse, please get the help that you need.
For free advice 24 hours a day 7 days a week contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999
Protective Orders
A protection order is a Civil or Court order that can support someone who is being abused to feel and be safe, and to help prevent a perpetrator causing further harm. Different restrictions can be put in place based on the individuals circumstances and the order applied for. Please see below some of the main orders that support victims of domestic abuse, and their children.
Non – Molestation Order
Examples of ‘molestation’ are:
- Acts or threats of violence
- Use of abusive language
- Stalking
- Abusive messaging
The Non-Molestation (non-mol) Order Prohibits a perpetrator from molesting the victim applying for an Order or a related child
- The court will grant a non-molestation order for 6 – 12 months, although in certain circumstances, it could be granted for longer
- An order can be extended if it is coming to an end
- Can be issued during civil or family court proceedings
- If a perpetrator breaches a non-molestation it is a specific criminal offence and they can be arrested
Occupancy Order
This order:
- Is used to regulate the occupation of a property
- Allows the court to decide who should live, or not live, in the home or any part of it
- Can exclude another person from an area around the home or:
- Enforce someone’s right to stay in a property
- Require someone to ask permission to enter and remain in the property
Child Arrangement Order
This order:
Sets out:
- Who the child will live with and when
- Who the child will spend time, or otherwise have contact with, and when
- Conditions can be added, including activity directions
- Failure to comply can result in an enforcement order
Prohibited Steps Order
This order:
Is set out by the court to
- Stop a parent from allowing a child to have contact with a certain person
- Ensure a child’s surname isn’t changed
- Make sure a parent doesn’t remove a child from England and Wales
- Prevent the geographical relocation of the child within the country
- A breach is not in itself an offence, but other offences may apply
Restraining Order
This order:
Is a legal order issued by a court on conviction or acquittal in criminal proceedings
Is most commonly issued to prevent hurt or protect victims suffering from domestic violence or abuse, threats or harassment
Must be made against a known and named person such as:
- A specific abusive individual you have had a relationship with
- A particular family member causing duress
- Somebody you have lived with or are living with who poses a threat
- A breach is a criminal offence and can lead to financial penalties or custodial sentences
Words from victim- survivors we helped
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