Domestic Abuse Protection in the United Kingdom
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
For most of English legal history, "domestic abuse" meant a black eye. Everything else — the controlled spending, the monitored phone, the friends quietly cut off — went unprosecuted because the law didn't recognise it. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 finally fixed that, building on the 2015 criminalisation of coercive control under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act. The statutory definition now covers:
- Physical abuse — hitting, pushing, restraining
- Emotional or psychological abuse — intimidation, threats, isolation
- Coercive or controlling behaviour — restricting finances, monitoring movements, deciding who you see (a criminal offence in its own right)
- Economic abuse — controlling money, preventing work
- Sexual abuse
Children who see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse in the household are now recognised as victims in their own right — a change that affects safeguarding referrals, family court proceedings, and victim support entitlements.
When does it apply?
- Applies to anyone aged 16 or over who is personally connected to the abuser — current or former partners, family members, or people who share parental responsibility for a child.
- Clare's Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) allows you to ask the police if your partner has a history of domestic abuse — you can make a "right to ask" request.
- Both women and men can be victims. Abuse in same-sex relationships is also covered.
- You do not need to have reported the abuse to police to access civil court protection.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Abuse in the UK
Civil protection works in parallel with criminal action — you don't have to wait for a charging decision to get a court order in place.
- In immediate danger, call 999. If you can't speak, dial 999 then press 55 to alert the call handler.
- Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 — 24 hours, free, confidential, run by Refuge.
- Apply for a non-molestation order to stop the abuser contacting or threatening you. The court can grant one urgently, sometimes the same day, without the other party present ("ex parte"). Breaching one is a criminal offence carrying up to 5 years.
- Apply for an occupation order to decide who lives in the family home — this can require the abuser to leave even if they own the property.
- If you need to leave, the National Helpline can connect you to a refuge. Legal aid remains available for domestic abuse cases when most other family legal aid was withdrawn under LASPO 2012.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stay silent. The pattern in domestic abuse cases is escalation — the earlier you reach for help, the more options exist.
- Don't blame yourself. Abuse is the abuser's choice. The legal system is finally catching up to that fact.
- Don't assume you need police involvement first. The Family Court can grant a non-molestation order without any criminal case — and many survivors use civil protection precisely because it moves faster than the criminal route.
Use the jurisdiction bar at the top of the page to pick your region — you'll see how devolved laws differ from UK national protections.
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Common Questions
When does domestic abuse protection apply?
Applies to anyone aged 16 or over who is personally connected to the abuser — current or former partners, family members, or people who share parental responsibility for a child.Clare's Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) allows you to ask the police if your partner has a history of domestic abuse — you can make a "right to ask" request.Both women and men can be victims. Abuse in same-sex relationships is also covered.You do not need to have reported the abuse to police to access civil court protection.
What should I do if I am experiencing domestic abuse and need legal protection in the UK?
Civil protection works in parallel with criminal action — you don't have to wait for a charging decision to get a court order in place.In immediate danger, call 999. If you can't speak, dial 999 then press 55 to alert the call handler.Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 — 24 hours, free, confidential, run by Refuge.Apply for a non-molestation order to stop the abuser contacting or threatening you. The court can grant one urgently, sometimes the same day, without the other party present ("ex parte"). Breaching one is a criminal offence carrying up to 5 years.App...
What mistakes should I avoid with domestic abuse protection?
Don't stay silent. The pattern in domestic abuse cases is escalation — the earlier you reach for help, the more options exist.Don't blame yourself. Abuse is the abuser's choice. The legal system is finally catching up to that fact.Don't assume you need police involvement first. The Family Court can grant a non-molestation order without any criminal case — and many survivors use civil protection precisely because it moves faster than the criminal route.