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
NCDV - Applying for an emergency injunction
Domestic Violence & Abuse · Emergency Injunction Service
FLOWS (for advice and support on applying for non-molestation or occupation orders)
LawWorks Clinic Network
Law Centres Network
Advocate
Support Through Court
Safe Space Sussex - App/Website
Domestic Violence, Hate Crime, Sexual assault & abuse
Somewhere safe where someone can wait until the Police or a trusted contact can reach them, or they have been able to access any necessary information and advice to keep them safe.
Access to a phone if required to call Sussex Police, a trusted contact or another support service.
CourtNav An online tool designed to help survivors in completing an application for a non-molestation and/or occupation orders (injunction) to get legal protection in England or Wales
SupportNav Website that provides information and legal support to help survivors to keep safe and inform them of their options. supportnav.org.uk
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 us about will not know you’ve requested information about them.
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.
The aim of Clare’s Law is to give you information - this is called a disclosure.
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.
Injunctions
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, there are several ways the law can protect you. One way is via an injunction and there are several types commonly used in cases of domestic abuse.
An injunction is a court order that prevents someone from doing something.
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:
