Get an injunction if you've been the victim of domestic abuse
Overview
You can apply for an ‘injunction’ if you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse. An injunction is a court order that:
- protects you or your child from being harmed or threatened by the person who’s abused you - this is called a ‘non-molestation order’
- decides who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area - this is called an ‘occupation order’
- protects you from all forms of domestic abuse – this is called a ‘domestic abuse protection order’ (DAPO)
You can only apply for a DAPO if the person you need protection from lives in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees or North Wales. Find out how to apply for a DAPO.
The person named in the injunction can be arrested if they break it.
You can apply to extend an existing injunction if it’s ending and you still need protection.
There’s no fee when you apply, but you can choose to pay for legal advice to help you. Check if you can get legal aid, which can help to pay for legal advice.
You can also get advice on applying for an injunction from a charity, for example Refuge, Women’s Aid, Citizens Advice or the Men’s Advice Line.
If you’re in immediate danger of being abused or have been abused, report it to the police.