Find out about your partner's past under Clare's Law
If you're worried about your partner or ex-partner's behaviour, you can find out if they've got a criminal history of violence or abuse in their previous relationships.
You can also request this information about the partner of a close friend or family member if you're concerned about them. Your right to request this information from the police is covered in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This scheme is often called 'Clare's Law'.
You can request information under Clare's Law online, or call 101 to book an appointment with Greater Manchester Police.
Find out about your partner's past under Clare's Law online
Legal support and injunctions
If you can't or don't want to leave your home, and you're at continued risk of abuse, there are some options that may help you feel safer.
You can apply for an injunction if you've been the victim of domestic abuse.
There are 2 main types of injunction:
- Non-molestation order: protects you or your child from being harmed or threatened by the person who’s abused you.
- Occupation order: decides who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area.
Many charities can give you help and advice about getting an injunction.
Apply for an injunction order at GOV.UK
Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs)
A Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) is an emergency non-molestation and eviction notice which can be issued by the police to the perpetrator when attending to a domestic abuse incident.
A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) can prevent the perpetrator from returning to a residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days.
DVPO and DVPN guidance at GOV.UK
Legal aid
Legal aid can help pay for legal advice and representation for the following family law cases:
- Applying for non-molestation and occupation injunction orders.
- Applying for restraining orders under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Check if you can get legal aid at GOV.UK
Citizens Advice - RCJ Advice Family Legal Service
RCJ Advice can give free legal advice to people who are affected by domestic abuse or need help with family law.
Family legal services on RCJ Advice's website
Support if you have no recourse to public funds
If you're subject to immigration control and are unable to access public funds for legal advice, you may be able to access support from the following organisations:
- Greater Manchester Asylum Crisis Project - supports individuals and families who're waiting for a decision on their asylum claim with assistance to access housing and financial support, as well as those who've had their first asylum claim rejected but are unable to return to their home country.
- Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit - provides support to women with insecure immigration status and who are at risk and vulnerable to violence, danger or exploitation.
- Safety4Sisters - provides support to women experiencing abuse and having immigration issues.
- Southall Black Sisters No Recourse Fund - women facing gender-based violence with immigration problems and no recourse to public funds problems can get help with their housing and living costs.
- Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST) - supports women seeking asylum with safe spaces and support groups.