Domestic abuse remains one of the most serious public health and safety concerns in the UK. The statistics are sobering: the police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds, yet fewer than one in five victims report their experiences. On average, one woman is killed by a current or former partner every five days in England and Wales.

Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life, but the majority of victims are women, and most perpetrators are male. Abuse can take many forms, including:

Coercive control (patterns of intimidation, isolation, threats, and control)

Psychological or emotional abuse

Financial or economic control

Physical or sexual violence

Harassment or stalking

Online or digital abuse

At Fard Solicitors, we help survivors every day to protect themselves and their families using the law. Below, we explain the key legal protections available and how we can help you take the next step toward safety.

Police Protections for Domestic Abuse Victims

The police can use several legal tools to help keep victims safe, each offering different levels of protection:

Restraining Orders

Applied for by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), usually after a criminal case — even if the perpetrator is acquitted.

Can stop the perpetrator from contacting you, coming to your home, or entering certain areas.

Typically lasts 12 months or longer, depending on risk.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs)

Requested by the police after an arrest for a domestic incident.

Provide emergency protection for up to 28 days while investigations are ongoing or if there isn’t enough evidence for prosecution.

Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs)

Used to stop persistent unwanted contact such as constant messages, following you, or turning up uninvited.

Can last from two to ten years, depending on the severity of the case.

Family Court Protections for Domestic Abuse Victims

If the police can’t help or there isn’t enough evidence for criminal charges, the Family Court can still protect you and your family. Two key types of court orders are available:

Non-Molestation Orders

Stop the perpetrator from threatening, harassing, or contacting you and your children.

Can be made urgently without the perpetrator being told first (known as “ex parte” orders).

Breaching this order is a criminal offence, meaning the police can arrest the perpetrator immediately.

Occupation Orders

Decide who can live in or enter the family home.

Can exclude the perpetrator from your property and surrounding area, even if they own or rent it.

Breaches can result in immediate arrest if a power of arrest is attached.

The New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a new type of order is being rolled out: the Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO).

Combines the strengths of restraining orders, DVPOs, and SPOs into one flexible order.

Can be applied for by the police, CPS, victims, third parties, or even the court itself.

Can include prohibitions (such as no contact) and requirements (such as attending behaviour change programmes).

Can last for a set period, until a specific event, or indefinitely — tailored to your needs.

These orders are designed to make the process simpler and more protective for survivors.

What To Do If You’re in Immediate Danger

If you or someone you know is at risk due to domestic abuse:

Call 999 immediately. The police can arrest the perpetrator and arrange emergency protection.

Contact Fard Solicitors. Our family law team can help you apply for a non-molestation order or occupation order the same day.

Reach out for support. Organisations like Refuge (0808 2000 247) and Women’s Aid offer confidential help, safe housing, and counselling.

How Fard Solicitors Can Help You

At Fard Solicitors, we provide compassionate, expert legal support to help survivors secure protection. We offer:

Urgent same-day applications for non-molestation and occupation orders.

Guidance on securing restraining orders, DVPOs, SPOs, and DAPOs.

Confidential advice to help you feel safe and supported.

Offices in Canary Wharf (London) and Camberley (Surrey), serving clients across the UK.

If you need help, call us today on 0207 993 4484 or contact us online.
You are not alone — legal protection is available, and we’re here to help every step of the way.