Legal Update: Legal Q&A - Domestic violence

A: Domestic violence is "any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse". A person exposed to domestic violence can report the matter to the police. In certain situations, the police may consider issuing a "harassment warning" to deter the accused from continuing their actions.

The government has announced that from March 2014 the "domestic violence protection orders" scheme will be implemented across England and Wales which will enable the police to prohibit the abuser from returning to a residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days.

If the police are unable to help, the victim may be able to apply to the courts for an emergency "non-molestation order" to stop the abuser from harassing, intimidating or threatening them or their children.

Similarly, they may be able to apply to the court for an emergency "occupation order" to evict the abuser from the property.

- For more information contact Women's Aid on 0808 2000 247, helpline@womensaid.org.uk, or Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327, info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Do you have any questions?

Email them to clc@essex.ac.uk or call the Child Law Advice Line on 08088 020 008, The National Education Line on 0845 345 4345, Or visit www.childrenslegalcentre.com.