Legal Services

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.

Advertising disclosure

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

Visit National Domestic Abuse Helpline

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

Visit Rights of Women

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

Visit GOV.UK Find Legal Aid

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.