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Domestic Abuse and Protective Orders

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted. The information below covers the legal protections available in England and Wales and how to access free or low-cost legal help quickly.

In immediate danger? Call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted. Free 24/7 advice: National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.

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Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up to a service after clicking through, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep Child Maintenance Guide UK free for everyone. We only feature providers we believe are genuinely useful, and the commercial relationship has no influence on our editorial position.

What this category covers

  • Non-molestation orders (protection from harassment)
  • Occupation orders (removing an abuser from the home)
  • Emergency legal aid for victims of abuse
  • Reporting to the police and gathering evidence
  • Refuge and safe accommodation referrals

Recommended providers

CharityFree 24/7
Free

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Free, confidential 24/7 helpline run by Refuge. Speak to a trained advisor about safety, legal options, refuge and next steps.

  • Free 24/7 helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Online live chat 3pm to 10pm Mon-Fri
  • Safe to call from a hidden phone
  • Refuge accommodation referrals
CharityFor men
Free

Men's Advice Line

Free, confidential helpline run by the charity Respect for men experiencing domestic abuse. Trained advisors on safety, housing, legal options and support near you.

  • Free weekday helpline: 0808 8010 327
  • Webchat and email support
  • Run by Respect, specialists in male victims
  • Signposts local services and refuge options for men
Charity
Free

ManKind Initiative

National charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse and their children, with a confidential weekday helpline and practical guidance on escaping abuse.

  • Confidential weekday helpline: 01823 334244
  • No need to give your name
  • Practical safety and housing guidance
  • Directory of local services for men
Charity
Free

Rights of Women

Charity providing free confidential legal advice for women on family law, criminal law, immigration and sexual harassment.

  • Free family law advice line
  • Specialists in protective orders
  • Lines for sexual harassment at work
  • Welsh and immigration-specific lines
Government
Free

GOV.UK Find Legal Aid

Official government tool to check whether you qualify for Legal Aid. Domestic abuse cases often qualify regardless of income.

  • Free official eligibility check
  • Means test calculator
  • Find a Legal Aid solicitor near you
  • Updated by the Legal Aid Agency

Common questions

Can I get free legal help if I am a victim of domestic abuse?
Yes. Domestic abuse is one of the few areas where Legal Aid is still widely available regardless of your income in many cases. Most family law solicitors who deal with abuse cases will assess your eligibility for free at the first contact.
What is a non-molestation order?
A non-molestation order is a court order that prevents an abuser from contacting, threatening or coming near you. Breaching one is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison. They can be granted urgently, sometimes the same day.
Do I have to leave my home if I am being abused?
No. An occupation order can force the abuser to leave the home and stay away, even if they own or rent it. Speak to a domestic abuse solicitor or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) about your options.
Disclaimer: Information on this page is general guidance only. It is not legal advice. Always consult a regulated solicitor about your specific circumstances. Affiliate relationships do not influence which providers we list or how we describe them.