Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
This guide provides an easy-to-understand overview of laws, local services, and practical steps for people affected by domestic violence in Newark on Trent, United Kingdom. Domestic violence covers a range of abusive behaviours - physical assault, emotional abuse, sexual violence, controlling or coercive behaviour, harassment, stalking and financial abuse - perpetrated by someone in an intimate or family relationship. In England and Wales, domestic abuse is recognised both as a criminal matter and a family law concern. Local agencies - including Nottinghamshire Police, local domestic abuse services and the courts - work together to protect victims, support children and hold perpetrators to account.
This content is general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are in immediate danger call 999. For non-emergency contact with police call 101.
People affected by domestic violence often need legal help for several reasons:
- To obtain urgent protective orders - for example, a non-molestation order or an occupation order under family law to stop an abuser from contacting or living with you.
- To respond to criminal proceedings - if you are the victim giving evidence, or if you are accused of offences yourself and need a criminal defence solicitor.
- To protect children - for advice on child arrangements, safeguarding, and how domestic abuse affects parental responsibility and contact.
- To apply for legal aid or challenge refusals - a lawyer can assess eligibility and make applications on your behalf.
- To gather and present evidence - for court hearings, police investigations and multi-agency processes such as MARACs.
- To negotiate civil remedies - such as consent orders, injunctions and financial settlements in separation cases.
The following legal framework and local processes are especially relevant in Newark on Trent:
- Statutory definition of domestic abuse - The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sets out a statutory definition that covers physical violence, emotional abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse and sexual violence. The definition is used by police, courts and support services when assessing risk and eligibility for services.
- Criminal offences - Assault, battery, actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm remain criminal offences. In addition, controlling or coercive behaviour is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015. Harassment, stalking and malicious communications can also be prosecuted.
- Protection orders - Victims can apply to the family court for non-molestation orders and occupation orders under the Family Law Act 1996. The police can also apply for domestic abuse protection notices and courts can make domestic abuse protection orders under powers introduced in recent legislation.
- Police responsibilities - Nottinghamshire Police respond to reports in Newark on Trent and have powers to arrest, seize weapons and apply for protective notices. They will carry out domestic abuse risk assessments and can refer high risk cases to MARAC - the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference.
- Child protection - Where children are affected, social services and CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) may become involved. The Children Act 1989 and child protection law prioritise the welfare and safety of children.
- Civil remedies and criminal prosecutions - Victims may pursue civil protection through the family courts while criminal charges proceed through the criminal courts. Both routes can run in parallel.
- Local multi-agency support - Local authorities, health services, specialist domestic abuse charities and victim support services provide safety planning, advocacy, refuges and practical help. MARAC meetings coordinate responses for people assessed as high risk.
Domestic violence includes physical assault, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, financial abuse, harassment and stalking between partners, ex-partners or family members. The statutory definition in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 also recognises behaviour that causes harm, alarm or distress to a person.
If you are at immediate risk call 999. If it is not an emergency but you need police assistance call 101. If you can safely leave, go to a place of safety and consider contacting a local domestic abuse service or refuge for support and emergency accommodation options.
Yes. You can apply to the family court for a non-molestation order to stop contact or abusive behaviour, and an occupation order to remove someone from a shared home in some circumstances. In urgent cases the court can grant emergency or ex parte orders on the same day. A solicitor or an advocate from a local domestic abuse service can help with applications and safety planning.
Prosecution depends on the evidence that the police gather and the Crown Prosecution Service assessment. Many forms of abuse are criminal offences and the police can arrest and refer cases for prosecution. Even if a criminal charge is not brought immediately, civil protection orders remain an option.
Legal aid is available for certain domestic abuse cases, particularly criminal matters and some family law cases where there is evidence of domestic violence or a risk to children. Means and merits tests apply. Speak to a solicitor, Citizens Advice or local legal aid adviser to check eligibility and start an application if appropriate.
Useful evidence includes medical records, photographs of injuries or damage, text messages, emails, social media posts, call logs, witness statements, police reports and a dated diary of incidents. Keep records in a safe place away from the suspected abuser and consider digital backups. Be mindful of your safety when collecting evidence.
The welfare and safety of children are paramount. Courts and social services will consider domestic abuse when deciding contact and residence. If a child is at risk the court can restrict or supervise contact, and social services may take protective action. CAFCASS can provide assessments and recommendations to the court.
You cannot use force to remove someone yourself. If you are a homeowner or tenant there are legal routes - the family court can grant an occupation order to exclude a person from the home, and urgent measures may be available in dangerous situations. If the occupant is committing a criminal offence the police may be able to take action.
Local support includes Nottinghamshire Police, victim support services, independent domestic violence advisors - IDVAs - and specialist domestic abuse services commissioned by the local authority. These organisations provide safety planning, advocacy, refuge accommodation and help with criminal and civil processes. MARAC coordinates multi-agency responses for high risk cases.
If you are accused, seek legal advice from a criminal defence solicitor promptly. Do not contact the alleged victim if you have been warned not to by the police or by a court order. Gather any evidence that supports your position and follow bail or court conditions. Legal representation is important to protect your rights and respond to allegations.
When seeking help in Newark on Trent consider contacting or asking about the following local and national resources - Nottinghamshire Police for reporting and immediate safety; your local council and district domestic abuse services for refuge and advocacy; Citizens Advice for legal and practical advice; specialist domestic abuse charities for emotional support and safety planning; IDVAs for casework and MARAC referrals; Victim Support for practical and emotional assistance; CAFCASS for child-related court processes; NHS services for medical treatment and forensic examinations if needed.
These organisations can guide you through reporting, evidence, court processes, housing options and welfare benefits. If you are unsure who to contact, a solicitor or Citizens Advice can point you to local agencies and help with referrals.
If you need legal assistance or support for domestic violence in Newark on Trent follow these steps:
- If you are in immediate danger call 999. If it is not an emergency call 101 to report to the police.
- Seek medical care for any injuries and ask for records or a forensic examination if needed.
- Find a safe place and do not confront an abuser. Make a safety plan - consider a trusted friend, family or local refuge and have an emergency bag ready if you can.
- Contact local domestic abuse services or an IDVA for support with safety planning, refuge options and referrals to MARAC for high risk cases.
- Speak to a solicitor with experience in domestic abuse law - for help with protective orders, family court applications, criminal matters and legal aid eligibility.
- Preserve evidence safely - keep records, photos, messages and any police reports in a secure location away from the alleged abuser.
- If children are involved raise concerns with the local authority childrens services and CAFCASS as appropriate.
- Use local and national support services for emotional support and practical help while legal processes progress.
Getting legal advice early helps you understand your options, access protection and plan for longer term safety and housing. If you are unsure where to start, contact Citizens Advice or a local domestic abuse specialist to be guided to the right legal and support services.
