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Start NowNon-molestation orders are court orders for when you need protection from someone who is threatening, intimidating, harassing or being violent towards you. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.
There is no legal definition of domestic violence. However, the Government defines domestic violence as not always physical violence, it can also include:
coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
economic abuse
online abuse
threats and intimidation
emotional abuse
sexual abuse
If you believe that you or someone else could be a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:
being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends.
having bruises, burns or bite marks.
having finances controlled, or not being given enough to buy food or pay bills.
not being allowed to leave the house, or stopped from going to college or work.
having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails or letters.
being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless.
being pressured into sex.
being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting.
A non-molestation order can protect you and any relevant child from domestic violence or harassment. You can apply for a non-molestation order even if you still want to (or have to) live with your abuser.
Examples of what a non-molestation order might include:
Your abuser must not be violent, threaten violence, intimidate, pester or harass you.
Your abuser must not contact you by telephone, email, social media or in person.
Your abuser must not attend or contact for any reason your place of work.
Your abuser must not ask a third party i.e. a family member or friend to threaten you or contact you on their behalf.
Non-molestation orders can be applied for without notice and on an urgent basis. If you feel at risk of imminent violence you should contact the police. Non-molestation orders are considered a criminal offence when breached by your abuser.
