DA Interface Dudley

Dudley IDVA Support

What can you expect from us?

This is not emergency support. Please call 999 if you are in danger.

Your rights

Your wellbeing

Your safety

Your recovery

Other support

Dudley IDVA Support

What can you expect from us?

Your rights and information

Your wellbeing

Your safety

Your recovery

Other support

What can you expect from us?

What do our spaces look like?

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What can you expect from us?

Use the map below to get directions to our office in Dudley

This is what our front door looks like ⬇️

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What our spaces look like

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Your rights and information

We can help you access advice and support on your rights. If you want to learn more, use the links below.

Victims's Code

Protective orders

Housing rights

What is domestic abuse?

Who might help me?

What is a MARAC?

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Victim's Code

If you are a victim of domestic abuse in England or Wales, you have the right to support, protection, and information. The police and other services must treat you with respect and sensitivity. The Victim's Code explains what your rights are.

1. To be able to understand and to be understood

2. To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay

3. To be provided with information when reporting the crime

4. To be referred to services that support victims and have services and support tailored to your needs

5. To be provided with information about compensation

6. To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution

7. To make a victim personal statement

8. To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness

9. To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals

10. To be paid expenses and have property returned

11. To be given information about the offender following a conviction

12. To make a complaint about your rights not being met

Read the full code

Read a simple version of the code

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Restraining Order

Occupation Order

CIVIL ORDER

Applied for by individuals for their own protection through the Family Courts. Does not require police involvement. Makes stipulations in relation to a property. Sometimes has power of arrest on breach attached.

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Protective Orders/Measures

Granted by the criminal courts, Crown or Magistrates, on conclusion of a criminal case against the defendant. Prohibits a perpetrator from specific actions as requested by the applicant. Breach is a criminal offence.

Clare's Law (DVDS)

CRIMNAL ORDER

CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES OF BREACH

DISCLOSURE SCHEME

DISCLOSURE SCHEMES

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A UK police policy that allows people to apply to know if their partner has a history of violence or abuse or be informed if the police feel it necessary. It is also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).

Non-Molestation Order

Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN)

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Clare's Law (DVDS)

CRIMINALORDERS

Occupation Order

A DVPN is an emergency non-molestation and eviction notice issued by the police.

Domestic Violence Protection Order(DVPO)

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A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is a civil order the police apply for that extends a DVPN where criminal charges cannot be brought.

CIVIL ORDER

A UK police policy that allows people to apply to know if their partner has a history of violence or abuse or be informed if the police feel it necessary. It is also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).

Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN)

Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO)

CIVIL ORDER

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Contains legally binding conditions on the behavior of a person/s trying to force someone into marriage. Applied for by the victim, a relevant third party, or the Secretary of State.

Domestic Violence Protection Order(DVPO)

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CIVIL ORDER

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DISCLOSURE SCHEMES

CRIMNAL ORDER

Stalking Protection Order (SPO)

CIVIL ORDER

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Obtained by the police to protect a person from stalking. The order can contain legally binding conditions and directions that change the behavior of a person/s trying to stalk someone

CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES OF BREACH

DISCLOSURE SCHEME

Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO)

Stalking Protection Order (SPO)

Clare's Law (DVDS)

Restraining Order

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Non Molestation Order

A non-molestation order is a type of civil court order that aims to protect victims of domestic abuse from being harassed, threatened, or intimidated by their abusers. It can also prevent the abuser from contacting the victim or coming within a certain distance of them. Who can apply? You can apply for a non-molestation order if you are a victim of domestic abuse and the person you want to be protected from is someone you're having or have had a relationship with, a family member, or someone you're living or have lived with. How does it work? Once you apply for a non-molestation order, the court will schedule a hearing where you will have to provide evidence of the abuse you have suffered. You can apply 'ex-parte' which means without the abuser knowing, if you can show that it would put you at more risk otherwise. If the court grants the order, it will be served to the abuser, usually by a process server or court bailiff, who will then be legally required to comply with its terms. If you applied ex-parte, you will need to return to court at a later date for the abuser to have their say, but with the protection of the order already in place. If the abuser breaches the order, they may face criminal charges. There is an automatic power of arrest attached. It's important to note that if you're under 16, you need permission from the High Court to apply for a non-molestation order. If you're unsure whether you're eligible to apply, you can check the eligibility criteria on the UK government website. BCWA can support with how to apply, and there is an organisation, NCDV, which can support with the application for emergency orders for incidents that have happened within the last 10 days - see the links below. Legal Aid may be available, depending on financial circumstances.

Government Website

NCDV

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Occupation Order

An occupation order is a type of civil court order that allows a person to occupy or use a property, such as a family home, that they do not own or rent. It can also exclude the abuser from the property, even if they are the owner or tenant. It can also require someone to keep paying bills for the property. Who can apply? You can apply for an occupation order if you’re a victim of domestic abuse and meet certain requirements You must either own or rent the property, or have a legal entitlement to occupy it, such as being married to the owner and living in the property. Occupation Orders are more difficult to obtain than Non Molestation Orders as they infringe on the rights of the abuser How does it work? Once you apply for an occupation order, the court will schedule a hearing where you will have to provide evidence of the abuse you have suffered. If the court grants the order, it will specify who can live in the property or enter the surrounding area. If the abuser breaches the order, they may face criminal charges. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to apply, you can check the eligibility criteria on the UK government website.

Government Website

NCDV

Government Website

Shelter advice

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Claire's Law

Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a UK law that enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending. Who can apply? Anyone can apply for a disclosure using Clare’s Law, designed to protect potential victims of domestic abuse by allowing them to request information about their partner’s past, or that of a person of concern to them. How does it work? The scheme has two elements: the “Right to Ask” and the “Right to Know”. Under the “Right to Ask”, an individual or relevant third party can ask the police to check whether a current or ex-partner has a violent or abusive past. If records show that an individual may be at risk of domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner, the police will consider disclosing the information unprompted. The “Right to Know” enables the police to make a disclosure on their own initiative if they receive information about the violent or abusive behaviour of a person that may impact on the safety of that person’s current or ex-partner. The DVDS was implemented across all police forces in England and Wales in March 2014. You can make an application using the link below if you are in the West Midlands.

Make an application

NCDV

Government Website

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DVPN

A Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) is an official notice issued by the police when there are reasonable grounds to believe that an individual has committed or threatened violence. The issuance of a DVPN is considered necessary to protect the victim from potential harm. Conditions outlined in the DVPN include restrictions on the abuser, such as refraining from visiting the victim's residence, making contact, or issuing threats. The DVPN is initially valid for 48 hours, during which the police must apply to the court for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) if they wish to extend. Who can apply? The police for anyone they have reasonable grounds to believe that a DVPN is necessary for their protection. How does it work? The police issue a DVPN based on reasonable grounds for violence or threats. Conditions in the DVPN restrict the abuser from specific actions for 48 hours. Within this period, the police must apply to the court for a DVPO. Breach of a DVPN is not a criminal offense, but breaching it can lead to arrest and court proceedings, treated as a contempt of court. Maximum sentance is 2 month in prison or £5000 fine.

Goverment website

NCDV

Government Website

Police website

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DVPO

A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) shares similar conditions with the DVPN issued by the police. It is granted by a magistrates' court upon the police's application when there is a likelihood that the abuser has been violent or has threatened violence towards the victim, and the DVPO is deemed necessary for protection. The duration of a DVPO ranges from 14 to 28 days. Who can apply? The police can apply for a DVPO to a magistrates' court, seeking protection for a victim they believe is at risk of domestic violence. How does it work? The police apply to a magistrates' court for a DVPO within 48 hours of issuing a DVPN. The court grants the DVPO if it is convinced of the likelihood of violence or threats and deems the order necessary for the victim's protection. DVPOs have a duration of 14 to 28 days, during which victims can seek advice on additional protective measures. Breaching a DVPO is not a criminal offense, but it can result in arrest, with the court treating the breach as a contempt of court. Maximum sentance is 2 month in prison or a £5000 fine.

Goverment website

NCDV

Government Website

Police website

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Restraining Order

A restraining order is a legal directive issued by a criminal court to prohibit an individual, often an abuser, from engaging in specific actions, such as contacting the victim or entering their residence or workplace. This court-issued order serves as a protective measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the person seeking protection. Who can apply? The authority to apply for a restraining order is not limited to the verdict of guilt or innocence in a criminal case. Both the Crown Court and magistrates’ court possess the jurisdiction to issue a restraining order. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) can independently initiate the application process, emphasizing the potential need for protective measures irrespective of the defendant's legal status. This empowers individuals who feel threatened or harassed to seek legal protection through a restraining order. How does it work? A restraining order is granted by the court when a judge determines its necessity for safeguarding the victim from harassment or the fear of violence. The duration of a restraining order is at the discretion of the court, ranging from a specified period to an indefinite timeframe. In cases where ongoing criminal proceedings involve a victim, they have the opportunity to actively influence the conditions of the restraining order. This influence can be exercised by engaging with the officer in charge, victim support worker, or domestic abuse support worker. These individuals can guide the victim in articulating their preferences and concerns, helping tailor the restraining order to address specific risks and fears. Breaching such an order constitutes a criminal offense, prompting victims to report violations to the police for investigation and potential legal action against the offender.

NCDV

Government Website

Goverment website

Police website

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Your wellbeing

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Your safety

Safety plan, who call what to take etc.

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Other support

Local support: Contact details for local agencies and services and links to their websites.

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Your recovery

Psycho educational content: Links to enrolment on Thinkific courses with blurb on what they are etc:

• The psychology of domestic abuse (20 mins)
• Trauma and how it works (20 mins)
• Wellbeing tips (20 mins)
• Introduction to groups- what are they, what to expect (10 mins)

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