You don't need a bruise to be a victim
Get Free Emergency Legal Protection For Yourself
Complete the details in the form for either yourself or another person with their permission to start the process of obtaining a protective injunction. Change starts today.
Our award-winning free service allows anyone who has recently suffered domestic abuse or violence to apply for an emergency court injunction.*
This form will go directly to our First Steps Team who will call you or the person you are referring as soon as possible. If you are police officer or DA agency we will keep you updated as to its progress.
*subject to qualifying under the Family Law Act.
Make a referral for yourself or a friend Police & agencies click here
This is the single most impactive step forward in the protection of victims of domestic violence and their families. The speed at which orders can be secured, orders which are fair, necessary and proportionate, is unrivalled.
These orders are the difference between a victim believing the police can help them, and knowing that NCDV will provide a professional, fair, and qualified service to protect our most vulnerable members of society. Thank you!
Sussex Police
How NCDV will help you
The NCDV usually help you obtain an emergency injunction within 24 hours from when you first contact us. The stages described below provide an outline of our usual procedure. The specifics of your case may mean that the steps involved are more complicated but we will explain them to you fully when we speak.
1. We assess your eligibility for an emergency injunction
You (the applicant) and the respondent need to be ‘associated persons’
This is determined by s.62(3) of the Family Law Act 1996. The list of associated persons is very wide-ranging, covering all family relationships.
For an emergancy application there has been a recent use or threat of physical violence
It is (usually) only a recent use or threat of physical violence within the last 10 days that will entitle someone to make an emergency application (this may be extended if there are bail conditions or the respondent has been in prison etc).
2. We identify the best course of action for your case
If you are eligible for legal aid we will work alongside a firm of solicitors
NCDV’s Solicitors’ Panel consists of Legal Aid solicitors who will provide you with publicly funded legal representation. The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has recently stated that nearly everyone is entitled to legal aid on the basis that those with higher earnings or capital will be asked to make a contribution to the cost. Please note this cost may not be payable (eg. people on a low income can be entitled to full legal aid without contributions) and any potential contributions are only ever payable to the LAA – our service is provided 100% free of charge.
If you are not eligible for legal aid we will help you for free.
If you are not eligible for legal aid, or cannot afford the Legal Aid contributions, we will allocate you a McKenzie Friend if there is one available in your area – they are trained, experienced caseworkers who can prepare the injunction application on your behalf and assist you at court (in most circumstances).
3. A caseworker will contact you to prepare your injunction application
A caseworker will take a statement from you (usually over the telephone)
as soon as we get your referral we will call you. We will prepare a statement that sets out why you need the injunction. Once completed, we can arrange a time for you to go to court. NCDV will also help you to arrange to serve the order to make sure that having obtained the injunction, the respondent is found and served with the injunction. This is explained in more detail by the helpline adviser and caseworker.
