What can I do about a violent or abusive partner? ================================================= Can I get a restraining order? ------------------------------ In the UK, only the criminal courts can make a restraining order, usually after a person has been on trial for an offence involving harassment or violence. The family court can, however make similar orders, known as non-molestation and occupation orders. What is a non-molestation order? -------------------------------- A non-molestation order (or "non-mol") is one of the court's key powers in cases involving domestic violence. For more information, read our law guide on [non-molestation orders.](https://vardags.com/law-guide/applications-divorce-proceedings/non-molestation-orders) How do I get an occupation order? --------------------------------- An occupation order controls who lives in a home, and can be used to exclude those who use or threaten violence, as well as perpetrators of sexual or psychological abuse. For more information, read our law guide on [occupation orders](https://vardags.com/law-guide/applications-divorce-proceedings/occupation-orders). "Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." ![The Huffington Post](https://vardags.com/images/logo/huffpost.png) "Ayesha Vardag - Woman of the Year"![GG2](https://vardags.com/images/logo/gg2-3.png) "Leading, Magic Circle law firm."Mr Justice Coleridge "A handful of firms dominate the so-called 'glamour' end of the market ... Vardags"The Times "One of the best divorce lawyers in the country"Marie Claire "Ayesha Vardag - 'diva of divorce' for the world's super rich" ![BBC](https://vardags.com/images/logo/bbc.png) "Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius."Lewis Marks KC "Ayesha Vardag - the Queen of divorce"Daily Mail "Vardags brilliantly argued my case to a resounding victory"Pauline Chai (client) "Britain's top divorce lawyer" ![The Telegraph](https://vardags.com/images/logo/telegraph.png) More Criminal Law news ---------------------- [Outrage continues as Russia's bill to soften domestic violence laws approaches second reading](https://vardags.com/family-law/outrage-russia-domestic-violence-laws-second-reading "Outrage continues as Russias bill to soften domestic violence laws approaches second reading") [High Court refuses permission to publish Ben Butler judgment](https://vardags.com/family-law/ben-butler-judgment "High Court refuses permission to publish Ben Butler judgment") [What can I do about a violent or abusive partner?](https://vardags.com/family-law/violent-abusive-partner "What can I do about a violent or abusive partner?") [Bolivia bars men with history of domestic violence from public office](https://vardags.com/family-law/bolivia-domestic-violence-public-office "Bolivia bars men with history of domestic violence from public office") [Domestic violence law in Bolivia](https://vardags.com/family-law/domestic-violence-law-in-bolivia "Domestic violence law in Bolivia")