Help and info for women

Your rights and legal protection

If you or your children are in any danger contact the police.

Everyone has the right to live without fear and threat.

These pages explain the main rights for anyone who is living with domestic abuse. They cover: using the law, getting help from the police, housing and money.

Using the law

If a partner or ex-partner is abusing or harassing you and/or your children, you can use the law to protect yourselves.

If you choose to use the law, it is useful to have as much evidence as possible about what your partner/ex-partner has done to you.

To get legal protection, you have to apply to the court. The law is quite complex so you should speak to Women’s Aid or your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau. They can tell you how to find a solicitor who is experienced in family law and give you information about what to expect. They may also be able to accompany you to appointments.

There are three main types of legal action you can take:

Getting help from the police

Reporting your partner or ex-partner to the police is your right and can help improve your and your children’s safety. Think about doing this if:

  • He has assaulted or is harassing you.
  • He has broken a court order (e.g. an interdict).
  • He has broken the conditions of bail for a previous incident by contacting or approaching you.

Find out what happens if you report him to the police.

Housing

You have rights to stay in your own home and make an abusive partner leave.

If you have to leave your home because of domestic abuse, you have a right to temporary and permanent housing provided by the local council.

Money

If you leave an abusive partner you may be able to claim welfare benefits to support yourself and any children.

Thanks to North Lanarkshire Domestic Abuse Working Group for permission to use and adapt much of their material in this section.

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