Know where you stand
Understanding your legal rights
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you have legal rights and protections available to you. This page explains, in plain terms, what those rights are, how to get legal advice, and what happens when you contact us for support.
Free, confidential legal help
Where to get legal advice
You don’t have to face this alone. Free and confidential legal advice is available, whether you want to understand your options or take the next step. Here’s where to start.
- Civil Legal Advice
A free legal advice line for people who may be eligible for legal aid: 0345 345 4 345 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm; Saturday, 9am to 12.30pm) - Equation
We can help you understand your options and connect you with specialist legal support. - CourtNav
A free online tool from RCJ Citizens Advice that helps you apply for a non-molestation or occupation order.
Legal words, explained simply
Key terms explained
Legal language can feel confusing, especially at a difficult time. Here are some of the terms you might come across when looking into your legal rights, explained in plain English.
A
Adult safeguarding
Safeguarding adults means protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect
B
Behaviour change programme
A structured programme designed to support people who use abusive or harmful behaviour to understand, take responsibility for, and change their behaviour. Also referred to as a perpetrator programme. Equation delivers evidence-based behaviour change programmes as part of our commitment to survivor safety and lasting change.
C
Child and adolescent to parent abuse (CAPA)
A child or young person using unhealthy or harmful behaviours towards a parent or carer.
C
Coercive control
A pattern of behaviour used to take away a person’s freedom and independence. It can include isolation, monitoring, financial restriction, threats, and degradation. Coercive control is a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. It does not have to involve physical violence.
C
Consent
A person consents to sexual activity if they agree by choice, and have both the freedom and the capacity to make that choice. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and ongoing. It can be withdrawn at any time.
D
DARA risk assessment (Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment)
A risk assessment used only by the Police to assess the level of risk to a person experiencing domestic abuse.
D
DASH risk assessment (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Honour-based Violence)
A risk identification tool used by professionals to assess the level of risk to a person experiencing domestic abuse. It helps practitioners identify those at highest risk so they can access the right level of support.
D
Domestic abuse
Equation defines domestic abuse as a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another person with whom they have, or have had, an intimate or family relationship. It is rarely a single incident — it typically involves a pattern that escalates over time.
Domestic abuse can include: physical violence; coercive or controlling behaviour; emotional and psychological abuse; financial, economic abuse; sexual violence; stalking and harassment; online and technology-facilitated abuse; forced marriage; so-called ‘honour’-based violence; and female genital mutilation (FGM).
We use the term “domestic abuse” rather than “domestic violence” because abuse is rarely only physical.
D
Domestic abuse related death review (DARDR)
A statutory multi-agency review in England and Wales that examines the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual aged 16 or over where domestic abuse was a factor. DARDRs aim to identify lessons that could prevent future deaths. They are sometimes called DHRs.
D
Domestic homicide review (DHR)
A statutory review carried out when a person aged 16 or over is killed by a current or former partner, family member, or household member. DHRs aim to identify lessons that could prevent future deaths. They are sometimes called DARDRs
E
Economic or financial abuse
A form of domestic abuse involving the control of a person’s access to money, employment, or financial resources. It can include preventing someone from working, controlling their finances, running up debt in their name, or taking their money.
F
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
A practice involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is illegal in the UK and is recognised as a form of abuse and a violation of human rights.
F
Forced marriage
A marriage that takes place without the free and full consent of one or both people involved. Forced marriage is a form of abuse and is a criminal offence in the UK. It is distinct from an arranged marriage, where both people consent.
H
Healthy relationships
A relationship between two or more people that includes qualities that make people feel happy, safe and supported.
I
IDVA — Independent Domestic Violence Adviser
A specialist professional who works with people at high risk of domestic abuse. An IDVA provides safety planning, practical support, and advocacy — often working within or alongside criminal justice and health settings.
I
ISVA — Independent Sexual Violence Adviser
A specialist professional who supports people who have experienced sexual violence. An ISVA provides advocacy, practical support, and help navigating criminal justice processes.
I
Image-based sexual abuse
The sharing or threatened sharing of intimate images without a person’s consent. We use this term rather than “revenge porn” — which wrongly implies the survivor did something to deserve it.
L
LGBTQ+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Iner-sex, Non-Binary and Questioning people. Equation works with all LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. LGBTQ+ people face specific forms of abuse and specific barriers to accessing support, including identity-based abuse and fear of not being believed.
M
MARAC — Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference
A regular meeting where professionals from police, health, housing, and specialist services share information about the highest-risk domestic abuse cases in a local area. The aim is to coordinate a safety plan for the survivor and their children.
N
Non-fatal strangulation – NFS
NFS is when a perpetrator intentionally strangles or restricts the breathing of a victim/survivor with the intention of hurting them, controlling them or intimidating them. This is also known as intentional strangulation. NFS and suffocation is a criminal offence and perpetrators can be sent to prison for 5 years if convicted of an offence.
P
Perpetrator
A person who uses abusive or harmful behaviour in a relationship. We use “perpetrator” in factual or legal contexts. In programme and support contexts, we may use “person using harmful or abusive behaviours” — this distinguishes between the behaviour and the person, and reflects our belief that behaviour can change. We do not use “abuser” as a fixed identity label.
For people under 18, we use “young person who causes harm” to reflect their developmental stage.
P
Power and control
The framework Equation uses to understand domestic abuse. Abuse is not caused by anger, alcohol, stress, or relationship conflict — it is a deliberate pattern of behaviour used to control another person. The Duluth Power and Control Wheel is a widely used tool for illustrating this.
R
Relationship abuse
The term we use when working with children and young people, as it is more accessible and relevant than “domestic abuse” for those who may not be in or have had adult intimate relationships.
S
SARC — Sexual Assault Referral Centre
A SARC is a specialised place that provide free, confidential medical, practical, and emotional support for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused. SARCs are designed to be safe, supportive, and comfortable environments. They are available to all individuals regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or when the incident happened.
S
Sexual violence
Any unwanted sexual act or activity that a person has not, or cannot, consent to. Sexual violence includes — but is not limited to — rape, sexual assault, and image-based sexual abuse.
S
So called 'honour'-based violence and abuse (HBV/HBA)
We always use the phrase “so-called ‘honour’-based violence” to make clear that there is nothing honourable about this abuse. HBV/HBA refers to acts of violence or abuse — often carried out by family or community members — against a person who is perceived to have brought shame or dishonour to the family. It can include forced marriage, FGM, harassment, and physical violence.
S
Stalking
A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact or attention that causes a person to feel afraid, distressed, or harassed. Stalking is a criminal offence and can occur during or after a relationship. It often forms part of a pattern of coercive control.
S
Survivor
Our preferred term for a person who has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence. We use “survivor” because it acknowledges strength and lived experience. “Victim” is appropriate in legal and criminal justice contexts, and some people prefer it to describe their experience — we always respect individual preference.
T
Technology-facilitated abuse
The use of digital technology to monitor, control, harass, or intimidate a person. This includes tracking devices, monitoring software, controlling access to phones or devices, online harassment, and image-based sexual abuse.
T
Trauma-informed practice
An approach to working with people that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to avoid re-traumatising people. It involves understanding how trauma affects behaviour and wellbeing, and prioritising safety, trust, and choice in all interactions.
V
VAWG — Violence Against Women and Girls
An umbrella term used by government and the sector to describe a range of abusive behaviours — including domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, forced marriage, FGM, and trafficking — that are disproportionately experienced by women and girls. Equation contributes to Nottinghamshire’s VAWG Strategy 2023–2028.
A
Adult safeguarding
Safeguarding adults means protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect
B
Behaviour change programme
A structured programme designed to support people who use abusive or harmful behaviour to understand, take responsibility for, and change their behaviour. Also referred to as a perpetrator programme. Equation delivers evidence-based behaviour change programmes as part of our commitment to survivor safety and lasting change.
C
Child and adolescent to parent abuse (CAPA)
A child or young person using unhealthy or harmful behaviours towards a parent or carer.
C
Coercive control
A pattern of behaviour used to take away a person’s freedom and independence. It can include isolation, monitoring, financial restriction, threats, and degradation. Coercive control is a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. It does not have to involve physical violence.
C
Consent
A person consents to sexual activity if they agree by choice, and have both the freedom and the capacity to make that choice. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and ongoing. It can be withdrawn at any time.
D
DARA risk assessment (Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment)
A risk assessment used only by the Police to assess the level of risk to a person experiencing domestic abuse.
D
DASH risk assessment (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Honour-based Violence)
A risk identification tool used by professionals to assess the level of risk to a person experiencing domestic abuse. It helps practitioners identify those at highest risk so they can access the right level of support.
D
Domestic abuse
Equation defines domestic abuse as a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain and maintain power and control over another person with whom they have, or have had, an intimate or family relationship. It is rarely a single incident — it typically involves a pattern that escalates over time.
Domestic abuse can include: physical violence; coercive or controlling behaviour; emotional and psychological abuse; financial, economic abuse; sexual violence; stalking and harassment; online and technology-facilitated abuse; forced marriage; so-called ‘honour’-based violence; and female genital mutilation (FGM).
We use the term “domestic abuse” rather than “domestic violence” because abuse is rarely only physical.
D
Domestic abuse related death review (DARDR)
A statutory multi-agency review in England and Wales that examines the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual aged 16 or over where domestic abuse was a factor. DARDRs aim to identify lessons that could prevent future deaths. They are sometimes called DHRs.
D
Domestic homicide review (DHR)
A statutory review carried out when a person aged 16 or over is killed by a current or former partner, family member, or household member. DHRs aim to identify lessons that could prevent future deaths. They are sometimes called DARDRs
E
Economic or financial abuse
A form of domestic abuse involving the control of a person’s access to money, employment, or financial resources. It can include preventing someone from working, controlling their finances, running up debt in their name, or taking their money.
F
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
A practice involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is illegal in the UK and is recognised as a form of abuse and a violation of human rights.
F
Forced marriage
A marriage that takes place without the free and full consent of one or both people involved. Forced marriage is a form of abuse and is a criminal offence in the UK. It is distinct from an arranged marriage, where both people consent.
No words found for this letter.
H
Healthy relationships
A relationship between two or more people that includes qualities that make people feel happy, safe and supported.
I
IDVA — Independent Domestic Violence Adviser
A specialist professional who works with people at high risk of domestic abuse. An IDVA provides safety planning, practical support, and advocacy — often working within or alongside criminal justice and health settings.
I
ISVA — Independent Sexual Violence Adviser
A specialist professional who supports people who have experienced sexual violence. An ISVA provides advocacy, practical support, and help navigating criminal justice processes.
I
Image-based sexual abuse
The sharing or threatened sharing of intimate images without a person’s consent. We use this term rather than “revenge porn” — which wrongly implies the survivor did something to deserve it.
No words found for this letter.
No words found for this letter.
L
LGBTQ+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Iner-sex, Non-Binary and Questioning people. Equation works with all LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. LGBTQ+ people face specific forms of abuse and specific barriers to accessing support, including identity-based abuse and fear of not being believed.
M
MARAC — Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference
A regular meeting where professionals from police, health, housing, and specialist services share information about the highest-risk domestic abuse cases in a local area. The aim is to coordinate a safety plan for the survivor and their children.
N
Non-fatal strangulation – NFS
NFS is when a perpetrator intentionally strangles or restricts the breathing of a victim/survivor with the intention of hurting them, controlling them or intimidating them. This is also known as intentional strangulation. NFS and suffocation is a criminal offence and perpetrators can be sent to prison for 5 years if convicted of an offence.
No words found for this letter.
P
Perpetrator
A person who uses abusive or harmful behaviour in a relationship. We use “perpetrator” in factual or legal contexts. In programme and support contexts, we may use “person using harmful or abusive behaviours” — this distinguishes between the behaviour and the person, and reflects our belief that behaviour can change. We do not use “abuser” as a fixed identity label.
For people under 18, we use “young person who causes harm” to reflect their developmental stage.
P
Power and control
The framework Equation uses to understand domestic abuse. Abuse is not caused by anger, alcohol, stress, or relationship conflict — it is a deliberate pattern of behaviour used to control another person. The Duluth Power and Control Wheel is a widely used tool for illustrating this.
No words found for this letter.
R
Relationship abuse
The term we use when working with children and young people, as it is more accessible and relevant than “domestic abuse” for those who may not be in or have had adult intimate relationships.
S
SARC — Sexual Assault Referral Centre
A SARC is a specialised place that provide free, confidential medical, practical, and emotional support for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, or abused. SARCs are designed to be safe, supportive, and comfortable environments. They are available to all individuals regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or when the incident happened.
S
Sexual violence
Any unwanted sexual act or activity that a person has not, or cannot, consent to. Sexual violence includes — but is not limited to — rape, sexual assault, and image-based sexual abuse.
S
So called 'honour'-based violence and abuse (HBV/HBA)
We always use the phrase “so-called ‘honour’-based violence” to make clear that there is nothing honourable about this abuse. HBV/HBA refers to acts of violence or abuse — often carried out by family or community members — against a person who is perceived to have brought shame or dishonour to the family. It can include forced marriage, FGM, harassment, and physical violence.
S
Stalking
A pattern of repeated, unwanted contact or attention that causes a person to feel afraid, distressed, or harassed. Stalking is a criminal offence and can occur during or after a relationship. It often forms part of a pattern of coercive control.
S
Survivor
Our preferred term for a person who has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence. We use “survivor” because it acknowledges strength and lived experience. “Victim” is appropriate in legal and criminal justice contexts, and some people prefer it to describe their experience — we always respect individual preference.
T
Technology-facilitated abuse
The use of digital technology to monitor, control, harass, or intimidate a person. This includes tracking devices, monitoring software, controlling access to phones or devices, online harassment, and image-based sexual abuse.
T
Trauma-informed practice
An approach to working with people that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and seeks to avoid re-traumatising people. It involves understanding how trauma affects behaviour and wellbeing, and prioritising safety, trust, and choice in all interactions.
No words found for this letter.
V
VAWG — Violence Against Women and Girls
An umbrella term used by government and the sector to describe a range of abusive behaviours — including domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, forced marriage, FGM, and trafficking — that are disproportionately experienced by women and girls. Equation contributes to Nottinghamshire’s VAWG Strategy 2023–2028.
No words found for this letter.
No words found for this letter.
No words found for this letter.
No words found for this letter.
Court orders and protections
Types of legal protection
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, the law offers several ways to protect you and your children. These range from court orders to police action. Here’s an overview of the main types of support available.
Domestic abuse legal support services
Specialist services can help you understand your legal options, apply for court orders like non-molestation or occupation orders, and access free tools such as CourtNav to prepare your application.
Family law solicitors
Family law solicitors can advise on child arrangements, finances, and divorce after abuse. Many offer free initial consultations, and legal aid may be available if you’re on a low income.
National domestic abuse helplines
National helplines offer free, confidential support any time, day or night. Trained advisers can talk through your options, help you plan for safety, and put you in touch with services.
Your next steps
What you can do next
Every situation is different, and there’s no single right way to respond to domestic abuse. These are some options that might help, whatever stage you’re at.
- Contact us, or another support service, for advice.
- Report to the police if you’re in danger, or to explore your options.
- Apply for a court order to protect yourself or your children.
Types of abuse
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. It can include coercive control, emotional or financial abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and online abuse. It can also include forced marriage and so-called ‘honour’-based abuse. Whatever form it takes, it’s never your fault, and support is available.
Signs and indicators
Domestic abuse often builds gradually. Signs can include feeling afraid of your partner, being controlled or isolated from friends and family, having your money restricted, or being monitored online. If something doesn’t feel right in your relationship, it’s worth talking to someone about it.
How to get help
You can contact us confidentially, whatever stage you’re at. We’ll listen without judgement, talk through your options, and help you understand what support – including legal support – might be right for you. You don’t have to make any decisions straight away.
For professionals
If you’re supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse, we offer guidance, training, and a referral route for professionals. Visit our pages for professionals to find out more about making a referral or accessing our best practice resources.
Explore your rights
Know your rights
Whatever you decide, you have the right to be safe, to be believed, and to get support that’s right for you. Here’s what you’re entitled to.
- The right to ask the police about a partner’s past (the ‘Right to Ask scheme’)
- The right to apply for a non-molestation or occupation order, free of charge.
- The right to free, confidential legal advice and support, whatever your situation.
Get support
Refer yourself or someone you’re worried about
Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone else, we’re here to help. Complete the referral form or contact us directly – choose whichever feels best for you. You don’t have to use your real name and you can choose how much to share. We’ll respond within 48 hours.
Support for men
0800 995 6999Support for Women (24/7)
0808 800 0340LGBTQ+ Service Helpline
03300 880787
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
We know reaching out can feel like a big step. Here are answers to some questions you might have.
Do I have to go to the police to get legal protection?
You can apply for a non-molestation or occupation order without reporting to the police first, though police involvement can sometimes support your case.
What’s the difference between a non-molestation order and an occupation order?
A non-molestation order stops someone from contacting or harassing you. An occupation order decides who can live in the family home.
What happens if the order is broken?
Breaking a non-molestation order is a criminal offence, and you can report it to the police.
Will legal aid cover my costs?
You might be eligible for legal aid if you’ve experienced domestic abuse and meet the financial criteria. You’ll usually need evidence, such as a police or medical report.
Can I apply for a court order without a solicitor?
Yes. CourtNav is a free tool that helps you prepare and submit your application, and can connect you with legal advisers if you need them.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. What you tell us is confidential, and we’ll only share information with your consent, except where there are serious safety concerns.