Helpful information
Domestic Abuse
Welcome to the Domestic Abuse Legal Advice website, dedicated to helping abuse victims in England and Wales find the legal protection they deserve. Our mission is to provide essential information, resources, and guidance to empower survivors to take action against domestic abuse. We understand the challenges victims face, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
- If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services at 999.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Call 0808 2000 247 for confidential advice and support, available 24/7.
- The Domestic Abuse Legal Advice website is committed to helping abuse victims in England and Wales find the justice they deserve. Our mission is to provide essential information, resources, and guidance to empower survivors to take action against domestic abuse. We understand the challenges victims face, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
- Reporting Abuse: Know how to report abuse to the police. Learn about evidence collection and the process of obtaining a restraining order.
- Legal Aid: Find out if you're eligible for legal aid and how to apply. Access resources to understand how legal aid can assist you. See our Services here: how we can help
To qualify for domestic abuse legal aid in England and Wales, you need to meet specific financial and domestic abuse criteria. Here are the general eligibility requirements:
Financial Eligibility: Your financial situation will be assessed to determine if you qualify for legal aid. Your income and capital assets will be considered, and there are upper limits to meet for eligibility.
Domestic Abuse Evidence: You must provide evidence of domestic abuse within the past 24 months, such as a police report, non-molestation order, or evidence from a healthcare professional or support organization.
Qualifying Evidence: There are various types of evidence that can be used to demonstrate domestic abuse, including court orders, protective injunctions, criminal convictions, and medical reports.
Victims of Domestic Abuse (VODA) Form: You may be required to fill out a VODA form, which helps assess your eligibility based on domestic abuse evidence.
- Court Processes: Familiarize yourself with the court proceedings for domestic abuse cases. Learn what to expect during hearings and trials.
- Protective Orders: Discover the different types of protective orders available, such as non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
- Child Custody and Support: Understand your rights as a parent. Learn about child custody arrangements and child support options.
A Non-Molestation Order is a legal restriction that prevents an abuser from approaching you or your home and stops any communication with you. Depending on your situation, you can also request the court to keep the abuser away from your workplace and your children's schools.
As a leading family law practice, we have the expertise and resources to handle complex cases swiftly, helping you obtain a Non-Molestation Order. Violating this order could lead to offenders being arrested and imprisoned for up to five years.
We specialise in securing emergency ex parte injunctions, ensuring immediate protection for you and your family without waiting for a response from the other party. Ex parte non-molestation orders provide full protection until a hearing is scheduled.
An Occupation Order is a legal option available to victims of domestic abuse, allowing them to request a specific arrangement for living in the family home or the surrounding area.
You may be eligible to apply for an Occupation Order if:
You own or rent the home, and it is, was, or was intended to be shared with a spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, family member, fiancé(e), or parent of your child.
The owner or tenant of the home is your ex-spouse, ex-civil partner, and the house is, was, or was intended to be your joint matrimonial home.
The owner or tenant is the person you cohabit or cohabited with, and the residence is, was, or was intended to be your joint home.
Are you entitled to legal aid funding to take legal action?
Please read questions below and if you can not find your answer, please send us your question, we will answer you as soon as possible.
To qualify for domestic abuse legal aid in England and Wales, you need to meet specific financial and domestic abuse criteria. Here are the general eligibility requirements:
Financial Eligibility: Your financial situation will be assessed to determine if you qualify for legal aid. Your income and capital assets will be considered, and there are upper limits to meet for eligibility.
Qualifying Evidence: There are various types of evidence that can be used to demonstrate domestic abuse, including court orders, protective injunctions, criminal convictions, and medical reports.
Victims of Domestic Abuse (VODA) Form: You may be required to fill out a VODA form, which helps assess your eligibility based on domestic abuse evidence.