Category: Domestic Abuse
Who Can Be a Victim or Perpetrator of Domestic Abuse?
Introduction to Victims and Perpetrators in Domestic Abuse Introduction to Victims and Perpetrators in Domestic Abuse In the UK, domestic abuse is recognised as a serious issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Understanding who can be considered a victim or perpetrator under UK law is crucial for accessing legal protection…
How to Get a Harassment Injunction for Protection
What is a Harassment Injunction? A harassment injunction is a type of court order designed to protect individuals from unwanted and distressing behaviour. It legally requires the person responsible for the harassment – sometimes called the respondent – to stop actions that cause alarm, distress, or fear. This could include a wide range of behaviours,…
How to Report Stalking or Harassment and Get Help
Understanding Stalking and Harassment Understanding Stalking and Harassment Stalking and harassment are serious offences under UK law, with clear definitions and protections in place to support victims. Understanding what these behaviours involve is the first step towards recognising them and knowing when to seek help. What is Stalking? Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted…
Stalking Protection Orders: How They Work and Keep You Safe
What is a Stalking Protection Order (SPO)? A Stalking Protection Order (SPO) is a legal tool designed to protect individuals from stalking and harassment in the UK. Introduced under the Stalking Protection Act 2019, SPOs are civil orders that aim to prevent stalking behaviour before it escalates into more serious harm. They provide swift protection…
Reporting Abuse to the Police: Legal Overview
Introduction to Reporting Abuse to the Police Domestic abuse is any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening, or violent behaviour between people who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members. This can include physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, or harassment. In the UK, domestic abuse is taken very seriously, and the law provides…
Who to Contact and How to Report Domestic Abuse Safely
Understanding Domestic Abuse and Your Rights Domestic abuse is a serious crime in the UK and covers much more than physical violence. Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse includes not only physical harm, but also emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and controlling or coercive behaviour by someone you have a personal connection with, such…
Understanding Child Protection Plans: A Guide for Families
What is a Child Protection Plan? A Child Protection Plan (CPP) is a formal document created by social services when there are concerns that a child may be at risk of significant harm, such as abuse or neglect. The CPP is a key legal tool used to safeguard children and ensure their wellbeing. Its main…
Understanding Child Protection and Social Services in the UK
Introduction to Child Protection and Social Services Introduction to Child Protection and Social Services Child protection laws in the UK are designed to ensure every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment, free from abuse and neglect. These laws set out clear responsibilities for parents, carers, and professionals to safeguard children’s welfare and outline…
How Family Courts and Children’s Hearings Protect Kids
Introduction to Family Court and Children’s Hearings Introduction to Family Court and Children’s Hearings Family courts and children’s hearings play a vital role in the UK’s legal system, especially when it comes to protecting children from abuse and neglect within their own families. These specialist courts are designed to make decisions that put the welfare…
How to Change or End a Protective Order for Abuse
What is an Abuse Vary Order? What is an Abuse Vary Order? An abuse vary order is a legal tool that allows you to ask the court to change (vary) or end (discharge) the conditions of an existing protective order. Protective orders, such as non-molestation orders or occupation orders, are designed to help protect people…
