{"id":20782,"date":"2022-11-08T10:39:49","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T10:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/?page_id=20782"},"modified":"2025-08-18T14:42:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T13:42:20","slug":"i-need-ongoing-support","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-need-ongoing-support\/","title":{"rendered":"I need ongoing support"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"20782\" class=\"elementor elementor-20782\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-570b9ad5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"570b9ad5\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6c606937\" data-id=\"6c606937\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-125eec6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"125eec6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h1>I need <strong>ongoing support<\/strong><\/h1><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ac33424 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ac33424\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>On this page:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-need-ongoing-support\/#creatingasafefinancialfuture\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37217377 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37217377 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 1\">Creating a safe financial future<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW37217377 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-need-ongoing-support\/#legalhelp\">Legal help<\/a><\/li><li><p><a href=\"#clareslaw\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW59607346 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW59607346 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Clare\u2019s Law<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1346eab9 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"1346eab9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5316fdd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5316fdd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"creatingasafefinancialfuture\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><a href=\"#creatingasafefinancialfuture\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW37217377 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW37217377 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 1\">Creating a safe financial future<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"EOP SCXW37217377 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Money is often used as part of abuse. If you are experiencing financial or economic abuse, the following organisations can support you:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/survivingeconomicabuse.org\/\">Surviving Economic Abuse<\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0is the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and transforming responses to it.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk\/fsl\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Financial Support Line for Victims of Domestic Abuse<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(run in partnership by Surviving Economic Abuse and Money Advice Plus) is a service specialising in the financial side of domestic abuse. Anyone who has experienced domestic abuse can call for one-off advice regarding debts, benefits and budgeting from the Financial Support Line, or self-refer for ongoing casework on 0808 196 8845.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li><span data-contrast=\"none\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/\">Turn2Us<\/a>\u00a0is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. Their\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/Benefits-Calculator-redirect\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Benefits Calculator<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0tell you which means-tested benefits you may be entitled to, including tax credits. Their\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/Grants-Search-redirect\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Grants Search<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can help you look for funds that might be able to give you a grant or other types of help. Support is available through their helpline.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/survivingeconomicabuse.org\/i-need-help\/banking\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your bank may be able to support you<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Many banks have domestic abuse policies set up to help. You can get in touch with your bank\u2019s support team to see how they can help you take steps to protect your money.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have experienced financial abuse, and your perpetrator used finances as a form of control, you may not have experience managing money as it\u2019s not been in your hands before. There are huge changes going on in your life, you\u2019ve got a new financial set up and it will take time to understand how to manage it. You may feel overwhelmed; maybe you\u2019ve recently given up your job for safety or you could be accessing benefits for the first time. If you\u2019re living away from the abuse for the first time, you may have less household income or you might have access to your own money for the first time.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><strong>It\u2019s okay if you\u2019re feeling confused. Looking for support is an important first step.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You are now in control of your money and what you do with it. Whether your income is from a salary, state benefits or child maintenance, you\u2019ll need to know what\u2019s coming in, what\u2019s going out and how to manage this. We\u2019re here to help you do this.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Please be aware, the benefits system and money support can be very complicated, personal and changes regularly, so the information on this page is for general guidance only. To be sure that you are getting your full entitlements, you should go to your local\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Citizens Advice<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">Bureau<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202for other advice agency such as\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Turn2Us<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1800894a elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"1800894a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4021\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4021\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Keeping your banking safe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4021\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4021\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once you have left the relationship and you are in a safe place, it\u2019s a good time to think about your financial set-up. This can sound daunting but there a few simple things you can do to make sure you have safe access to your money.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"35\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do you have a joint bank account with your perpetrator?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f It will be safer to avoid using this (and any joint credit cards) until you can get financial advice from your bank. This is because the person who you share the account with will be able to track card activity or withdrawals from cash machines. This could make you unsafe. If you have regular payments going into this account, such as your salary, tax credits or child benefit, you will need to change these. When you\u2019ve left and you are safe, speak with any companies paying into this account as soon as you can. You will need this money to be paid into your own account.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"35\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do you have your own bank account?\u202f\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have a bank account in your own name, it\u2019s important that you are the only one who has access to this when you have left. \u202fIf you use online banking, make sure you change your passwords so your perpetrator cannot access your accounts. Most banks will let you know when changes are made, you will be able to alert your bank if a change is made by someone else. You should also make sure your bank statements are addressed to you; no one else needs to see your bank statements, they contain your personal information. You could consider going paperless so physical statements will not be sent out to you.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"35\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do you need a bank account of your own? \u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you only have a joint account with your perpetrator or no bank account of your own, you might want to set up your own bank account. To set up a new bank account, you will need to have identification, like a driving license or passport, with you. It may be safer to use a new bank to avoid the possibility of any confusion or inadvertent leak of information by the bank. You<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">r<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0bank will be able to give you information on the type of account suitable for you.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Remember, it\u2019s always useful to try to save a small amount of money for emergencies if you can.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4022\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4022\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Financial support for your children<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4022\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4022\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Being a single parent for the first time can be especially tricky to navigate. The voluntary organisation\u202f<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.singleparents.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Single Parents UK\u202f<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fcan support you, giving you advice on balancing work, parenting and education.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have children, it\u2019s likely you will need to think about childcare arrangements and the cost of this. Childcare could be needed full time, after school or a mix of both, but you don\u2019t have to pay for this alone. You can get financial support through the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/child-maintenance-service\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">government\u2019s child maintenance<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">system. It\u2019s a free service which provides impartial information and support. They help separated parents make decisions about their child maintenance arrangements and ensure you are paid everything you are entitled to. You may also be able to get some help with childcare costs if you use a registered childminder, nursery or other childcare scheme run by an approved provider, and are claiming working tax credit. The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/benefits\/tax-credits\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">government\u2019s tax credits website<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">can help you with this.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4023\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4023\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How domestic abuse can effect your job<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4023\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4023\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you feel safe doing so, it\u2019s a good idea to tell your employer what is happening and the changes going on in your life. This is both for your safety, in case your perpetrator tries to contact you at work, and so your employer can support you. Your employer should have a domestic abuse policy ready, which could entitle you to time off or additional support.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When you\u2019ve left the abuse and are safe, it\u2019s important you contact\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/hm-revenue-customs\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">HM Revenue and Customs<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0and tell them of your changed circumstances as you may be eligible for tax allowances or credits.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you\u2019re thinking about going back to work, it\u2019s a good idea to consider what kind of work and how many hours you would like to do, particularly if you have children. You won\u2019t always be better off financially if you get a job, though that may not be your only consideration.\u202f<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4024\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4024\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Accessing benefits support<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4024\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4024\"><div id=\"1652888707898-4669728d-dfa6\" class=\"vc_tta-panel vc_active\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Even if you\u2019re working, there are various types of benefits that you may be entitled to.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Different types of benefits:\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"36\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Contributory benefits<\/strong>: These are based on previous National Insurance contributions and include non-means tested benefits, such as Job Seekers Allowance, which replace earnings; for example, when you are unable to work because of a disability.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"36\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Non-contributory benefits:<\/strong>\u00a0These are paid to people who meet certain criteria and who have been living in the UK for a specific period of time. They include Child Benefit and Disability Living Allowance.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"36\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>Means tested benefits:<\/strong>\u00a0These are based on your income and your savings. They include Income Support and, in some cases, Job Seekers Allowance. These are not sufficient to live on long-term, but many women who have left abuse find themselves dependent on these for a while. It\u2019s likely these will be essential in your recovery from abuse.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Citizens\u2019 Advice Bureau<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward \u2013 whoever they are, and whatever their problem. The national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turn2us.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Turn2us<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Their benefits calculator can help you to calculate what you may be entitled to.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For full information about all state benefits, see the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/benefits\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Department for Work and Pensions website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, which gives information on all state benefits, alphabetically, and provides links to the website for Job Centre Plus when appropriate.\u202f<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"1652888744028-1aebb3ca-86e6\" class=\"vc_tta-panel\" data-vc-content=\".vc_tta-panel-body\"><div class=\"vc_tta-panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"vc_tta-panel-title vc_tta-controls-icon-position-left\">\u00a0<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4025\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4025\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Financial debt support<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4025\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4025\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Many women who have experienced financial abuse are left with debt but there are steps to help relieve both debt and the associated stress. Legally, if a debt, loan or credit agreement is in your name, you are responsible for paying it. If any are in joint names, you may also still have a responsibility for outstanding debt, regardless of who spent it. However, the companies involved may be able to support you if you can contact them, explaining your situation. Some will have specialist abuse teams. They may be able to make arrangements to pay the money as you can afford it.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Different debts are treated in different ways and there is lots of advice on how to manage them.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"37\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaldebtline.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">National Debtline<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202foffer expert advice online via their webchat and over the phone on 0808 808 4000.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"37\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Citizens Advice Bureau<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202foffer debt and money advice and may be able to negotiate with companies on payments on your behalf.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"37\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/survivingeconomicabuse.org\/financial-support-line\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Financial Support Line<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0on 0808 196 8845 is run by Surviving Economic Abuse and Money Advice Plus. They may be able to advise you on issues relating to debt.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It is better not to contact an advert for debt advice as they will often charge or take a percentage of repayments, which could cost you more overall.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have been left with arrears of rent or mortgage, your home could be at risk. If you had a joint tenancy with your abusive partner, both of you are legally liable for the arrears. If the tenancy was with a council or housing association, they may accept that \u2013 because of the abuse \u2013 you were unable to pay the rent at the time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-4026\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-4026\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Splitting joint finances after abuse<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-4026\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-4026\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you own a home or have joint savings with your perpetrator, you will need to decide how these are divided. If you were married, this can be done with the proceedings for legal separation or divorce. It will be useful to speak with a solicitor. Solicitors are experts in the law and how it affects you. They will be able to tell you all your rights, negotiate on your behalf so you don\u2019t have to have contact with your perpetrator and keep your personal information confidential as all correspondence will go through them.\u202f<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can find a suitable solicitor through:\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawsociety.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Law Society<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: the independent professional body for solicitors in England and Wales.<br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your local\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Citizens Advice Bureau<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: the national charity giving confidential advice online, over the phone and in person, for free.\u202fYour local Citizens Advice Bureau may have access to BSL and multilingual interpreters.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"38\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/get-involved\/give\/support-your-local-services\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">local domestic abuse service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">: they may have access to legal advice or know of solicitors in the area who have an understanding of domestic abuse.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are claiming welfare benefits, are on a low income or have little or no savings, you may be able to apply for public funding to pay your legal costs.\u202f\u202fYou may be eligible to get free and confidential advice from<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/civil-legal-advice\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Civil Legal Advice<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(CLA) as part of Legal Aid if you\u2019re in England or Wales. They can be contacted on 0345 345 4345 or text \u2018Legal Aid\u2019 to 80010 for a call back. If you need an evidentiary letter for legal aid, your local domestic abuse service should be able to provide this.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e4684a1 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"6e4684a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b6f479a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b6f479a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"legalhelp\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><a href=\"#legalhelp\">Legal help<\/a><\/h2><p aria-level=\"2\"><strong>Getting a restraining order or injunction\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are frightened of your current or former partner, you have a right to be protected under the law.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are various ways that the law can help you. This can feel overwhelming but there are often processes to help you deal with this. \u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As a survivor of abuse, you have rights under the criminal law. Being assaulted by someone you know or live with is just as much a crime as violence from a stranger, and often more dangerous.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">As there is someone perpetrating abuse against you, you can apply for a civil court order. A court order can stop a perpetrator from harassing or hurting you by telling them to keep out of your home, or away from where you live.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Legal services and the law can also help to protect children by giving you emergency or temporary accommodation for your safety. You can apply to the Family Courts for an order specifying where and with whom the children should live and regulating contact with the other parent. A Family Court deals with legal issues which have come from family relations. They deal with cases relating to the upbringing of children, divorce and associated legal issues at the end of a relationship and support for children after relationship breakdown.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic abuse is dealt with both under the criminal law and the civil law. The two systems are separate and are administered by separate courts.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>The civil law<\/strong>\u00a0is mainly aimed at protection (or in some cases compensation). A survivor of domestic abuse can make an application for an injunction (a court order) either to the Family Proceedings Court or the County Court. This is usually done through a solicitor. Other family proceedings, such as child contact or divorce, also take place in the County Court.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>The criminal law<\/strong>\u00a0is primarily aimed at punishing the offender, the person who has committed the abuse. The police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initiate the process. Criminal cases are heard in either the Magistrates\u2019 Court or the Crown Court depending on how severe the charge is.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Legal support services<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have a legal issue, you should seek proper legal advice. These organisations can support you:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rightsofwomen.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rights of Women<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0run a Legal Advice Lines for women by women. Their advice lines cover family law, criminal law, immigration and asylum law and they have a specific line for women in London.\u202fSome lines have access to multilingual interpreters, and you can also get in touch using the NGT Lite Text Relay App.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvassist.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic Violence Assist<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0are the UK\u2019s only registered charity arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders &amp; Occupation Orders. Call their freephone number on 0800 195 8699 or email\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"mailto:support@dvassist.org.uk\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">support@dvassist.org.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/civil-legal-advice\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Civil Legal Advice<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can help you find out if you\u2019re eligible for Legal Aid at the government website.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/get-involved\/give\/support-your-local-services\/#1589469117474-71f51e22-b85b\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">local domestic abuse service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0may also be able to support you in finding local legal support and in ongoing emotional and practical support\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">and may be able to refer you to local solicitors experienced in domestic abuse.\u202f<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ncdv.org.uk\/\">National Centre for Domestic Violence<\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">(NCDV) helps anyone to apply for an injunction within 24 hours of first contact (in most circumstances). Call freephone 0800 970 2070.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/southallblacksisters.org.uk\/\">Southall Black Sisters<\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0provide<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0advice and information on domestic violence, racial harassment, welfare and immigration, primarily for Asian, African and African-Caribbean women. Casework is primarily undertaken in London Borough of Ealing, but deals with enquiries on a national basis.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fde02d elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"6fde02d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1171\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1171\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What do I need to know about injunctions and how do I get one?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1171\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1171\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An injunction is a court order that requires someone to do or not to do something. If you are worried about your immediate or ongoing safety, you can apply for one to help you gain protection. It\u2019s important to get legal advice and consider all your options before going ahead with legal action.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When considering an injunction, there are two main types available under Part 4 of the Family Law Act 1996: a non-molestation order and an occupation order. Each have different aims.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"40\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A\u00a0<strong>non<\/strong><b>-molestation order\u00a0<\/b><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">is aimed at preventing your partner or ex-partner, or other family member, from using or threatening violence against you or your child, intimidating, harassing or pestering you, in order to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and your children. If someone breaks the terms of their non-molestation order, known as a breach, it\u2019s a\u202fcriminal offence. You can report this to the police to take your abuser back to the criminal court, or start civil proceedings by applying to the court that made the order (usually the family or civil court).<\/span><br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"40\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">An\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">occupation order\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">regulates who can live in the family home, and can also restrict a perpetrator from entering the surrounding area. If you do not feel safe continuing to live with your partner, or if you have left home because of the abuse but want to return and exclude the perpetrator, you may want to apply for an occupation order. You can apply for an occupation order if you own or rent the home and it is or was to be shared with your partner, family member or parent of your child; you don\u2019t own or rent the home but you\u2019re married to or in a civil partnership with the owner and you\u2019re living in the home; or if your former partner is the owner or tenant and it was or was intended to be a shared home. The court will apply a \u201cbalance of harm\u201d test when deciding whether to make the order. This will determine who will suffer the most if an order is not made. If you are applying for an occupation order and do not have a legal entitlement to occupy the property, the court must apply the \u201cbalance of harm\u201d test. \u202fWhen making an occupation order, the court may make other related orders imposing obligations on you or your abuser. These could include repair and maintenance of the home, or payment of rent or mortgage.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To apply for an order, you must be an \u201cassociated person\u201d.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This means you and your partner or ex-partner must be related or associated with each other in one of the following ways:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are or were married or engaged to be married.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are or were in a civil partnership or had agreed to form a civil partnership.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are or were living together (this includes same-sex and opposite-sex couples).\u202f<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Live or have lived in the same household, for example as a flat share (but not as a tenant, border, lodger or employee).\u202f<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are relatives, including: parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews or first cousins (whether by blood, marriage, civil partnership or cohabitation).\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Have a child together.\u202f<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Have or had parental responsibility for the same child.\u202f<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are parties to the same family proceedings for the same child.\u202f<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"41\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are or were in an intimate personal relationship of significant duration\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">e.g. six months, but they can be renewed or may be made \u201cuntil further order\u201d. Non-molestation orders can be extended but occupation orders can only be extended beyond 12 months if you have a legal right to stay in the home, for example if you are the owner or co-owner,\u202ftenant or joint tenant, or because you are or have been married to the owner\/tenant.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When you have an injunction, you may have a power of arrest attached, and you can also have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-need-ongoing-support\/#powersofarrest\">powers of arrest<\/a>\u00a0attached to an occupation order. These powers come into effect if your abuser breaks the order.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1172\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1172\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How can I get an injunction?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1172\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1172\"><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Understanding how to get legal support and the legal process for getting an injunction\u202f\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can apply for an injunction yourself but you may find it helpful to have legal advice. It is best to find a solicitor who has experience with domestic abuse cases as they are likely to understand all the issues.\u202f\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">How can I find a solicitor?\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"42\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/domestic-abuse-directory\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">local domestic abuse service<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">may have access to legal advice, or be able to refer you to a solicitor who has experience of domestic violence issues.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"42\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You could also contact the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ncdv.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">National Centre for Domestic Violence<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. They are a charity which provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence. You can call them for free on 0800 970 2070 for advice on getting an injunction.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"42\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvassist.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">DV Assist<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0can support you finding a solicitor, applying for legal aid, applying for court orders and in arranging non-molestation orders and occupation orders.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"42\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u202f<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.lawsociety.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Law Society<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0o<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">r the local\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Citizens Advice Bureau<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">will be able to give you a list of solicitors who can help with injunctions.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are claiming welfare benefits, are on a low income or have little to no savings, you may be eligible for public funding to pay your legal costs. It\u2019s likely that this will be through\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/civil-legal-advice\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Civil Legal Advice<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">funding or legal aid. You<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">r<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0partner\u2019s income is not taken into account if you are taking legal action against him.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What happens in court? \u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Applications for injunctions\u202funder the Family Law Act are held in the Family Court. The application will be in a closed court, known as \u201cin chambers\u201d. The only people allowed in are people directly related to your case.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This means that you will be able to bring your solicitor or other legal representative in, but you won\u2019t usually be able to take in a friend or supporter, although they can stay in a waiting room. As it\u2019s a closed court, no members of the public will be there so the hearing will be private.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you think that the perpetrator could hassle you while you are waiting, tell your solicitor. They can ask the court officers to keep them away from you. They should also be able to provide separate waiting areas.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can ask for your address to be kept secret and not read out in court so that the perpetrator does not know where you are staying.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How long does it take to get an injunction?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It can take one to two weeks to schedule the final hearing and get an injunction.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, if you are in immediate danger, an application can be made to the court on the same day without your abuser being there. This is called a \u201cwithout notice\u201d or an \u2018Ex-parte\u2019 application.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To get this type of immediate injunction, the court will need to consider if:\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"43\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You are at risk of significant harm.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"43\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You will be prevented or deterred from applying if you have to wait.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"43\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The perpetrator is avoiding being served notice to appear before the court.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the court grants a \u201cwithout notice\u201d order, you will have to return to court for a full hearing once the perpetrator has been served with notice.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If there are other family proceedings already in progress \u2013 for example, for a residence or contact order for a child \u2013 the court may want to hear the whole case together but they can still grant an emergency order while you are waiting for the full hearing.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do I need to provide evidence?<\/span><\/b><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You will need to tell the court about the abuse you have experienced, outlining both the physical and emotional abuse.\u202fThis information is often known as a sworn statement or affidavit.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It may feel overwhelming, as retelling abuse can bring up difficult emotions, especially in court. It will help if you have kept a record of past events or if you have independent evidence, such as police reports or medical records. If you can, try to be as precise as possible about the abuse you experienced; whether it was emotional abuse or physical abuse, when it happened and the effects on you and your children. It\u2019s important that you or your solicitor provides the court with as much evidence as possible, including all aspects of harm caused by the perpetrator\u2019s abusive behaviour. The more information you can give the better. It means the court will be able to provide a more informed\u202fdecision on the order.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The court has discretion when deciding to make an order and has to look at all the circumstances, including the likely effect of any order on the health, safety and wellbeing of you and your partner or ex-partner, your conduct in relation to each other, your needs and your financial and housing resources.\u202f<\/span><b><\/b><\/p><div id=\"powersofarrest\" class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The court sometimes suggests that, instead of an injunction, the perpetrator should make an undertaking- a promise to the court not to harass or threaten you. This undertaking is meant to have the same strength as a court order, and a breach of an undertaking constitutes contempt of court, but in practice, undertakings may not be enforced as effectively as an injunction as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/the-survivors-handbook\/i-need-ongoing-support\/#powersofarrest\">powers of arrest<\/a>\u00a0cannot be attached.<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the perpetrator has used violence or threatened violence, the court should never accept an undertaking and you do not have to agree to accepting one if you do not want to.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once an order has been made, you should have a copy and your solicitor should arrange for a printed copy to be handed personally to the perpetrator. The injunction will not be effective if there is no proof that they have received it.\u202f<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Power of arrest<\/span><\/b><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence, so the police can arrest a person if they have reason to suspect them of being in breach of the order. Breaching an occupation order, however, is not a criminal offence unless a power of arrest has been attached by the court, usually if there is concern that the perpetrator has or may have used violence or threatened violence towards a survivor.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A copy of the order must be held on record at the police station. You or your solicitor should ensure this happens, and the police can arrest immediately if the order is broken, even without a specific criminal offence having been committed.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A power of arrest may be attached even if the hearing was held \u201cwithout notice\u201d if the court believes you are likely to be at risk of harm otherwise.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Occupation orders are slightly different, however, and a separate \u201cpower of arrest\u201d will still be needed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What happens if the perpetrator breaks the order?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the perpetrator breaks the terms of the injunction, and you are fearful for your safety or that of others, you should call the police.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If a non-molestation order is breached, the police should arrest them and they are required to bring them back before the court within 24 hours. It is a criminal offence to breach a non-molestation order.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If there is no power of arrest attached to an occupation order, then you, with the help of your solicitor, may have to go back to court yourself and apply for an arrest warrant. The perpetrator is in contempt of court for disobeying a court order. This means they have been disrespectful towards a court of law; their behaviour has opposed the authority of the court.\u202fThe court may fine them, impose a suspended sentence or commit them to prison, although this is rare for a first offence. The court is also likely to add a power of arrest to the injunction in order to strengthen it in future.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are unhappy about the enforcement process being taken out of your hands, it should still be possible for you to take the perpetrator back to the County Court or Family Proceedings Court for contempt of court.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Funding for legal action\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An injunction application is free. If you need a barrister or solicitor to represent you this can cost money.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, you may be eligible for Legal Aid to cover the cost of your lawyer. See\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/rightsofwomen.org.uk\/get-information\/family-law\/family-law-legal-aid\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Rights of Women Guide to Family Law Legal Aid<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">for more information. Civil Legal Advice may also be able to help you to<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0get free and confidential advice from\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/civil-legal-advice\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Civil Legal Advice<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0as part of\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">legal aid.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1173\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1173\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What's a restraining order and how can I get one?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1173\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1173\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A restraining order is a temporary court order issued to stop a person from carrying out a particular action. They often focus on stopping someone approaching or contacting a specific person, for example stopping a perpetrator from contacting a survivor. It\u2019s different to an injunction; an injunction can put restrictions on someone before they\u2019ve been charged with a criminal offence, but a restraining order is given at the end of a criminal case. However, it\u202fcan be given whether the person was found guilty or not.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This means, if the court believes you are likely to be at risk from your perpetrator, the\u202frestraining order can be attached when criminal proceedings have been taken, even if the conviction has not been upheld.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A restraining order can provide the same protection as injunctions under the civil law but, as they come under criminal law, they can be more effective as they carry stronger penalties.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Action under the criminal law, coupled with restraining orders, may help you avoid the cost of taking civil legal action if you do not also need to apply for an injunction to exclude your abuser from your home.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1174\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1174\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What happens if I involve the police?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1174\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1174\"><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Understanding the role of the police and the Criminal Prosecution Process\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most forms of domestic abuse are criminal offences, including coercive control. The police should be the first people you contact in an emergency by dialling 999. The non-emergency number for your local police is 101, regardless of your location.\u202fBeing assaulted, sexually abused, threatened or harassed by someone you know or live with is just as much a crime as violence from a stranger, and is often more dangerous.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What\u202fcan the police do?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you call the police because you are experiencing domestic abuse, their\u202fimmediate priority should be the safety and wellbeing of you and your children, and to protect everyone present from injury or further harm.\u202fThey should give you the opportunity to be listened to and spoken to separately, away from your abuser.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In domestic abuse cases, the role of the police is to investigate. They are not there to mediate, counsel or allocate blame.\u202fThere is a national domestic violence training programme for all police officers which aims to ensure that all police forces respond appropriately when called to domestic abuse incidents.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can also ask to be seen by a female police officer (WPC). They should provide you with an interpreter if you need one and should never ask your children or other family members to interpret in cases of domestic abuse.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The police should help and support you by:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"44\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Protecting you and your children<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"44\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Removing the risk of further violence \u2013 ideally by arresting and removing the perpetrator<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"44\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Arranging first aid or other medical assistance, such as an ambulance<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"44\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Finding out what has happened, taking into account the known risk factors associated with domestic abuse<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"44\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Offering you support and reassurance<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"44\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Helping you to access other agencies, like Women\u2019s Aid\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic abuse should be treated as seriously as an assault or threat from a stranger. Police officers can use their powers to intervene, arrest, caution or charge an abuser.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if the police arrest the perpetrator?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If there are reasonable grounds to justify an arrest, the police should do this without asking your permission or insisting on a statement from you first \u2013 though they will need to take one later. If the police arrest the perpetrator, it can demonstrate that the police take domestic abuse seriously and that abusive behaviour is unacceptable.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The police do not need a warrant to arrest someone who they suspect is about to commit an arrestable offence, nor do they need to witness an assault. The perpetrator can then be held for up to 24 hours (or 36 hours at weekends) before the police submit a charge.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the perpetrator has left before the police arrive, the police should circulate a description and make every effort to find them. Officers should also gather evidence in order to charge and build a prosecution case that does not rely entirely on your statement. This could include photos of damage or injury. They should ensure that you and your children are safe while they do this.\u202f This may feel difficult to face but it\u2019s an important stage as it could be used as proof later on.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you do call out the police, and they take action against the perpetrator, ask them for the crime reference number and make note of it as this may be helpful in future. If your immigration status is insecure, a record of police attendance to an incident of domestic abuse might form part of your case to apply for leave to remain in the UK.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Arrest does not necessarily lead to a charge. A charge means the police have formally accused the person of committing a crime. Once someone is charged with an offence they can be taken to court, have a hearing and be sentenced.\u202fIf the police decide to proceed, they will consult the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about the charge and will then pass the papers to the CPS who will make the final decision to continue with a prosecution.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if the police charge the perpetrator?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the police arrest and charge the perpetrator, they will then decide whether to keep them in custody or to release them on bail. If they release them on bail, they will attach conditions to this, aimed at protecting you, your children and any witnesses from further intimidation and violence. The police should make every effort to consult you before making conditional bail decisions. They should also inform you of any conditions, what these conditions mean and what action you should take if these conditions are broken. They should give you as much information as possible and should explain that the responsibility for complying with police bail conditions rests with the perpetrator.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Prosecuting a perpetrator does not always guarantee your protection or safety in the long term. In some cases, it can increase your risk of harm as the perpetrator of abuse may use the involvement of the police as an excuse to further escalate abuse. Even though you may find the process difficult, emotionally and practically, it is worth considering all of the options and processes to help you reach a safer future.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if the police don\u2019t charge the perpetrator?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This can be difficult to deal with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For ongoing support and safety advice, you could get in touch with\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/womens-aid-directory\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">your\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">local domestic abuse service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. They may be able to offer help, such as putting in safety measures such, additional locks on your home or CCTV.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The police should also offer further options to keep you safe and should explain the outcome of the case to you. The case could end in a few different ways, including:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"45\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Being release<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0on bail, there are lots of different bail conditions which may be issued. For example, the perpetrator may have to live at a certain address or report to the police station on a certain date.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"45\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Being released under investigation, this means\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the police believe that a criminal offence has been committed but they don\u2019t have enough evidence to charge the perpetrator. The police cannot hold the perpetrator in custody while they carry out more investigations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"45\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Releasing with no further action (NFA), meaning there is not enough evidence to charge and no further action will be taken.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic Abuse Protection Orders<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/domestic-abuse-bill-2020-factsheets\/domestic-abuse-protection-notices-orders-factsheet\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic Violence Protection Orders<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(DVPOs) can be put in place by the police or magistrates to give immediate protection to a survivor of abuse following an incident of domestic violence, giving time to consider the next steps.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When a DVPO is in place, a perpetrator can be banned with immediate effect from returning to a residence and from having contact with the survivor for up to 28 days, allowing them time to consider their options and get the support they need. However, the power of a DVPO is limited, as breaching it is not a criminal offence.\u202f<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Further information on police services<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most police forces have a specialist team to provide ongoing follow-up, investigation and risk assessment on domestic abuse incidents called Domestic Violence Units, Community Safety Units or Public Protection Units. These teams have been specially trained to respond sensitively, to give you guidance and to use their knowledge of domestic abuse offending to advise you during the investigation and prosecution processes.\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are reporting past or historical abuse, you can report this to the Domestic Abuse Investigations Team (DAIT). However, it\u2019s important to be aware that the laws at the time of past abuse may be different to today\u2019s and this can affect any charges given.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Each police force in the UK has its own website which you can find via the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.police.uk\/pu\/your-area\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">UK Police Service Portal<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u202f These give information on how they respond to domestic abuse\u202fincidents and what you can expect if you report an incident to them.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some police forces use a risk assessment tool to help them identify who is at greatest risk of further harm from the perpetrator. That means that they may ask you questions which may not seem directly related to this offence but will help them decide the extent to which you may be at risk of further abuse.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some police forces now share information with other agencies, such as health visitors or social workers, in order to help provide support and protection to women and children most at risk of further domestic abuse.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are unhappy with the way the police responded to you, each police force will have a domestic abuse policy, strategy or guidelines that you could check.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are unhappy with the way the police have treated you, you can make a formal complaint. You could do this through the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.policeconduct.gov.uk\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Independent Office for Police Conduct<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>your local<a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/domestic-abuse-directory\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0Women\u2019s Aid organisation or independent domestic violence advocacy service<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">could be able to help you with this.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Crime prevention officers should be available to help survivors of domestic abuse to suggest improvements to home security, including advice on smoke alarms, burglar alarms and improved lighting.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1175\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1175\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Understanding the Criminal Prosecution Service (CPS)<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1175\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1175\"><p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What does the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) do?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The CPS decides which cases should be prosecuted. In serious cases, they can determine the appropriate charges and advise the police during the early stages of investigations.\u202fThey should always take the safety of the victim and their children\u202finto account.\u202fThey also take the views of the victim into consideration when deciding whether to proceed with a prosecution, but it\u2019s important to know that this will not be the only determining factor.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">When would the CPS get involved in a domestic abuse case?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once a perpetrator of abuse has been arrested and charged, the file can be passed to the CPS. The police and the CPS will have agreed charging standards for certain types of offence, including assaults. These guidelines aim to ensure that consistent decisions are made in relation to charging.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Police custody officers should liaise with the CPS at an early stage for advice on the sufficiency of the evidence, type of evidence required and the most appropriate charge(\/s). Custody officers should ensure that all advice given by the CPS is recorded on the prosecution file.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Investigators are encouraged to seek Early Advice from the CPS in serious, sensitive or complex domestic abuse cases so that crown prosecutors will be available to provide advice to the police, prior to charging.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What if I want to withdraw my support for a prosecution?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You are allowed to withdraw your support for prosecution but the CPS will want to know why. Often, a police domestic violence officer will interview a survivor to\u202ftry to find out why you are wanting to make this decision, and to assess whether pressure has been put on you to withdraw your original support.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are several reasons why you might want to withdraw your complaint of domestic abuse:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"46\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You don\u2019t want your children\u2019s father to have a criminal record<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"46\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You\u2019re worried that a police record will mean the perpetrator will lose their job<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"46\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may have been threatened, and\/or you feel frightened about what the perpetrator or their family might do if you proceed\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"46\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You don\u2019t want to give evidence in court\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"46\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The perpetrator has said sorry.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In certain circumstances, for example<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0if you have been intimidated, your statement can be used as evidence without you being called to court.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you do decide to withdraw your statement, your wishes will be taken into account but the final decision about prosecution will be taken by the CPS in conjunction with the police. They may decide that the \u201cpublic interest\u201d supports going ahead with the case, despite your wishes.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are considering withdrawing, it may help to speak with someone who understands what you are experiencing and the difficulties it can cause. You can reach out to the <a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/\">National abuse helpline <\/a>for further support.<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What happens after a withdrawal? \u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the CPS decides to proceed with the withdrawal,\u202fthe abuser will initially be taken to a Magistrates\u2019 Court, after which (depending on the seriousness of the charge), they will either be remanded in custody or released on bail. If bail is given, then conditions can be imposed by the court. This could include conditions such as the perpetrator must stay away from you and your home, your place of work, or that they live at a certain address.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the CPS decides not to prosecute, you have a right to know why and to ask them to review the case.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How do I provide evidence and what information is relevant?\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It may be several months before the full case is heard and the police may contact you again for further information during this time. You may be asked to make a \u201cvictim personal statement\u201d, which will add to the information you have already given in your initial statement.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This gives you a chance to talk about how the abuse has affected you, both this particular incident and in general, and to raise concerns about fear of intimidation, and whether you want to claim compensation or request support from other agencies.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Any additional evidence you can give the police at this stage will be very helpful.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Evidence can include:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Medical reports of injuries and other effects of the abuse<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Statements from neighbours who have witnessed or heard the abuse<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Names of any other agencies to whom you have reported the abuse in the past- this could include social services, your health visitor, GP or midwife<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reports from the children\u2019s schools on the effects on the children<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Any injunctions that are in place against the perpetrator or that you have applied for previously<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Any particular fears you have<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Threats the perpetrator has made<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Depending on the charge, the case may be heard in the Magistrates\u2019 Court or the Crown Court. You will only be called to give evidence if the perpetrator has pleaded not guilty at the initial hearing.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the perpetrator pleads guilty, or is found guilty after the evidence is heard, then the court will usually adjourn for reports from the Probation Service before sentencing.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What can I expect if they are sentenced?\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A perpetrator\u2019s sentence depends on the seriousness of the offence and whether they have had any previous convictions. It can range from a conditional discharge (meaning they are released, the offence is registered but no further action is taken unless they commit a further offence within a certain time period),\u202fto a prison sentence.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The criminal law can offer you some protection, particularly if the perpetrator is given a custodial sentence, but it is primarily aimed at dealing with the offender.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A\u202frestraining order can be attached whenever criminal proceedings have been taken against your abuser, even if the conviction has not been upheld, if the court believes you are at risk.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You could consider applying for an injunction if a restraining order is not granted by the criminal court.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic violence courts<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In some areas there are specialist domestic violence courts in which the staff will have been specifically trained to deal with the issues and will try to \u201cfast track\u201d criminal domestic violence cases.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">These specialist courts should also enable better partnership working between the various agencies. More specialist domestic violence courts are being set up\u202fand, if you live in one of the areas covered by them, it should make it easier for you to support your complaint and to give evidence in court if you need to.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lots of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/womens-aid-directory\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">local domestic abuse services<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0have access to Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Services (IDVAs) and other support. If there is a domestic violence advocacy service in your area, it may help you to decide what to do, and will support you through the court process, if you choose that option.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">I need more support throughout the prosecution process<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For help and support with going through the prosecution process, there are\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">a\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">few different services that can help you.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"48\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can contact a specialist domestic violence advocacy service, which may be part of\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/domestic-abuse-directory\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">your local domestic abuse\u202fservice<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"48\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Specialist domestic abuse officers should help you in safety planning, taking into account risk assessment and risk management processes. They should be available to give you advice on additional safety measures that you or others could put in place, building on measures that you have already developed. To find the police force covering your area,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.police.uk\/pu\/your-area\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">visit the UK Police Service portal<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">or call the non-emergency number, 101, which will put you through.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"48\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You could also contact\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Victim Support<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0who are separate from the police. They can offer free, confidential advice after a crime has been committed. Volunteers from Victim Support can provide emotional support and help you\u202fexplore the different options open to you. If you go to court, the Victim Support Witness Service should support you, including giving you information about the court and prosecution process.\u202fThey can sit with you in the waiting room and when you are called to give evidence.\u202fYou can call the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/more-us\/contact-us\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Supportline on 0808 168 9111, or get in touch via live chat<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0(both open 24\/7). You can also contact\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/accessibility\/contact-victim-support-using-british-sign-language-bsl\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Victim Support in BSL<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0using the SignLive app or website, and they also\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.victimsupport.org.uk\/languages\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">offer support in many languages.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"48\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/going-to-court-victim-witness\/help-getting-to-the-court\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Home Office<\/span><\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0<\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">can offer information on going to court and court proceedings.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"48\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cps.gov.uk\/\">Crown Prosecution Service\u2019s<\/a><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0website offers more information on prosecutions, particularly on how decisions are reached.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:384}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-588c7f68 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"588c7f68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-52d7b14d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"52d7b14d\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-acdc875\" data-id=\"acdc875\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29ad1ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"29ad1ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"clareslaw\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><h2><a href=\"#clareslaw\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW59607346 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW59607346 BCX8\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 2\">Clare\u2019s Law<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kleo_text_column wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \"><div class=\"wpb_wrapper\"><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Clare\u2019s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), allows women who are concerned about possible abusive behaviour to request information about their partner from the police. A close friend or family member can also apply if they believe someone is at risk of abuse.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can make a request under Clare\u2019s Law by\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.met.police.uk\/advice\/advice-and-information\/daa\/domestic-abuse\/alpha2\/request-information-under-clares-law\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">finding and contacting your local police service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, calling the non-emergency number 101, or by visiting your local police station. The maximum time to complete the whole process is 35 days.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once an application has been made, the police will carry out a range of checks along with other partner agencies, such as the probation service, prison service or social services. If there is a record of violent or abusive offences, or if the police feel there is a risk of abuse or violence, they will consider sharing this information with you. A person\u2019s previous convictions are treated as confidential, and the information will only be disclosed if it is lawful and proportionate, and there is a pressing need to make the disclosure to prevent further crime.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:204,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the checks do not show that there is a pressing need to make a disclosure to prevent further crime, the police will tell you that. This may be because your partner or potential partner does not have a record of abusive offences or there is no information held to indicate they pose a risk of harm to you.<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0If this is the case, it does not mean they are not showing worrying behaviour and what your experiencing is not domestic abuse.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:264}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I need ongoing support On this page: Creating a safe financial future\u00a0 Legal help Clare\u2019s Law Creating a safe financial future\u00a0 Money is often used as part of abuse. If you are experiencing financial or economic abuse, the following organisations can support you:\u00a0 Surviving Economic Abuse\u00a0is the only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":580,"featured_media":20927,"parent":7001,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1855],"tags":[1978,1977,1976,878],"class_list":["post-20782","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-survivors-handbook","tag-clares-law","tag-financial-support","tag-legal-support","tag-survivors-handbook","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3 - 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