Free guidance on protection from domestic abuse at home or from an ex — court orders, police protection, housing and where to get help safely. If you are in danger, call 999.
↓ Try the Checker NowIf you are in immediate danger, call 999. For free, confidential support in England call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24 hours). In Wales call Live Fear Free on 0808 80 10 800, in Scotland the Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234, and in Northern Ireland the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414. Men can also call the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.
In England and Wales the family court can make a non-molestation order to stop a partner, ex-partner or family member from using or threatening violence, harassing or pestering you, and an occupation order to decide who lives in the home. You apply on form FL401 or online through CourtNav, there is no court fee, and in an emergency the court can act before the other person is told. Breaking a non-molestation order is a criminal offence.
Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders are being piloted in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Bromley and Sutton, Cleveland, North Wales and by the British Transport Police. They have not yet been rolled out everywhere, so outside those areas the usual route is a non-molestation or occupation order.
If you are homeless because of domestic abuse in England, the council must treat you as in priority need. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If domestic abuse is affecting your job, use our workplace rights checker for domestic abuse.
This checker gives you a plain English read on your specific situation, checked against GOV.UK guidance, the Family Law Act 1996 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. No login needed, and your answer is generated instantly based on what you tell us.
Our guidance covers many common situations, but court applications and unsafe situations need specialist help. A domestic abuse service or a family law solicitor can help you apply, and you may be able to get legal aid. For general advice call Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 (England). For urgent housing problems in England, Shelter can help on 0808 800 4444.
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Tell us what is happening and we'll explain the protection and support you can ask for
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For confidential support: National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24hrs). This tool covers protection at home and from an ex. For workplace rights use our domestic abuse and work checker.
Describe what is happening and what you want to stop. You do not need to share more than you are comfortable with.
Free · Guidance only, not legal advice
How do I stop an ex from contacting me or turning up at my home?
In England and Wales you can ask the family court for a non-molestation order, which can stop a current or former partner or family member from using or threatening violence, harassing or pestering you. There is no court fee, you can apply without a solicitor, and in an emergency the court can make the order before the other person is told. If you are in danger, call 999.
What happens if they break a non-molestation order?
Breaking a non-molestation order is a criminal offence, so you can report it to the police. In England and Wales it can lead to up to 5 years in prison.
Can I get them out of the home?
An occupation order can decide who lives in the home and can keep the other person out of the home or the area around it. The court weighs the harm to each person and any children, and orders that exclude someone without a full hearing need strong evidence.
What if domestic abuse is affecting my job?
Use our separate checker for workplace rights, such as time off, flexible working and what your employer can do: What Support Am I Entitled to for Domestic Abuse?.
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Directed and published by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights. Guidance checked against GOV.UK, ACAS and legislation.gov.uk. This is general rights guidance, not legal advice.
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