Rights of domestic abuse victims
Children and your rights
Your abuser may threaten that if you leave or tell anyone about
what's happening, your child will be taken away from you. It’s
important that you know that Children's Services will not take your
child away for this reason.
If you fear your partner will abduct your children, get advice
as soon as possible. Your local Women's Aid group, Refuge, Law
Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor can advise you on how
to protect your child. They will explain how contact between your
child and a violent partner can be restricted.
These groups will explain that, under the Family Law Act 1996,
you can apply for an order that will protect you from threats or
violence (this is called a ‘non-molestation order’).
Your home and your rights
You can apply for an order that will protect your right to live
safely in your family home (this is called an ‘occupation order’).
If granted, it could order your abuser to move out of the house,
and forbid them even to enter it.
If you are in this situation please contact one of the advice
groups.