Support and Protection for Those Affected by Domestic Abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important to know that support is available and there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, or coercive. Regardless of the form, you do not have to face it alone.
On this page, you will find information on:
Clare’s Law
Legal protection and Injunctions
Useful contacts & links
Apply for an emergency injunction
Advocate is a charity that finds free legal assistance from volunteer barristers
Information and legal support to help survivors to keep safe and inform them of their options.
Advice and support on applying for non-molestation or occupation orders
A safe space for people facing court alone.
Helping survivors complete applications for non-molestation / occupation orders (injunction)
A charity for people in need of legal advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay.
A specialist support organisation dedicated to supporting legal assistance charities.
Safe Space Sussex - App/Website
A space and facilities where people can seek help, make a phone call or wait in a safe environment until they feel comfortable
Clare’s Law
The aim of Clare’s Law is to give you information about the person you are dating - this is called a disclosure.
Clare’s Law is a free scheme where you can request information to find out if the person you’re dating / in a relationship with has a history of abusive and controlling behaviour, including whether they’ve ever been arrested or charged with abuse against an ex-partner.
Clare’s Law is confidential, the person you ask about will not know you’ve requested information about them.
We can make the application on your behalf, but the information will only be shared with you / the person who is in the relationship.
Clare’s Law is confidential, the person you ask us about will not know you’ve requested information about them.
If something doesn’t feel right – trust your instincts and consider a Clare’s Law application. Knowledge is power in deciding whether the person is really someone one you want to be with.
How to Request Information about a partner
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With our Help
We can help you to complete the online DVDS application form.
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Online
You can complete the online DVDS application form yourself, in your own time.
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By Telephone
By calling 101 and asking to make a DVDS application.
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In Person
By attending your local police station and asking to make a DVDS application.
Injunctions
An injunction is a court order that prevents someone from doing something.
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, there are several ways the law can protect you. One way is via an injunction.
There are several types of injunctions that can be used to protect someone from domestic abuse. The most common family law injunctions are non-molestation orders, occupation orders, forced marriage protection orders and Prohibited Steps Orders.
The most common criminal law injunctions are restraining orders, domestic violence protection orders and stalking protection orders.
For further information please see the Rights of Women information pack.
