What happens when a domestic allegation is made?
When the police receive a domestic abuse complaint, their default position is to arrest the person accused. Once at the police station, the investigation proceeds rapidly. You may face restrictions on returning to your home, seeing your children, or contacting your partner — even before any charge.
Protective orders and conditions
- Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) — issued by police immediately
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) — confirmed by magistrates' courts
- Non-molestation and occupation orders obtained in family proceedings
- Bail conditions restricting contact or access to the family home
How we help
- Attend the police station immediately on arrest
- Advise on the interview and the evidence against you
- Challenge any DVPNs or disproportionate bail conditions
- Coordinate with family lawyers where children and occupation are involved
- Represent you at any court hearings arising from the allegations
What if the allegation is false?
False allegations do occur. We approach every case without judgment and build your defence from the evidence. Where allegations are false or exaggerated, we will challenge them robustly — through cross-examination, inconsistent accounts, and supporting evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse includes physical, emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological abuse between persons aged 16 or over who are personally connected (including current and former partners, family members). It does not require physical violence.
Contact us immediately. Do not contact the alleged victim, as this could be treated as witness interference. Do not discuss the matter with family or friends. Anything you say can be used in evidence. We will advise you on your rights and the best strategy from the outset.
A DVPN is an emergency notice issued by a senior police officer that can ban an alleged perpetrator from contacting the victim or returning to a shared home for up to 48 hours. It is followed by a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) applied for at a magistrates’ court. We can challenge both.
A restraining order is a court order that prohibits specified conduct — such as contacting a named person or attending certain locations. Breach is a criminal offence carrying up to 5 years’ imprisonment. A restraining order can be varied or discharged by the court on application. We make applications to vary orders that are disproportionate or unnecessary.