Getting a court injunction is a way for a victim to deal with aggressive or violent behavior inside a home. Find out how to make an application for an injunction for domestic violence in the UK.
Call the police to report serious crimes that create an immediate danger (e.g. abuse and domestic violence).
APPLYING FOR AN INJUNCTION: In simple terms, it is an authoritative warning. The main purpose in obtaining an injunction from the court is to:
Note: Police can arrest a person named in an injunction for breaking the conditions stated in it.
There are several domestic abuse charities that also offer expert advice on applying for an injunction (e.g. Refuge, and the Men's Advice Line). In some cases, the victim may qualify for free legal representation through the legal aid system.
Ask the court for an emergency order when you apply if you need immediate protection. There is no requirement to inform the person that you want protection from about this type of application. Emergency orders get issued on an 'ex-parte' basis. It means the respondent (abuser) would not get notice of the application.
The court will arrange a hearing for your case - and you must attend it. As a rule, an application for an injunction for domestic violence would get issued at the hearing.
Note: The process still involves telling people about the application after the court issues the order. Even so, an emergency order should last until you attend your court hearing.
Victims under the age of sixteen (16) need permission from the High Court to apply for an injunction. Sixteen and 17 year olds would need to appoint a 'litigation friend' to represent them in the court. As a rule, a parent, a family member, or even a close friend can act as a litigation friend.
After applying for an injunction, the court will present you with a document called a 'Notice of Proceedings'. It will inform you when to attend the court so you can discuss your case at the hearing.
The relationship that the victim has with the abuser affects how to proceed with an injunction. Find out who can apply to court for non molestation order in the United Kingdom.
As a victim of domestic violence, you can also apply for an occupation order if you meet the requirements. These types of injunction orders state conditions that the respondent must not break.
The guide explains what to expect at your court hearing after applying for the injunction. Find out the best way to prepare for a protection court hearing.
Application for an Injunction for Domestic Violence in United Kingdom