Domestic abuse is never your fault - help is available.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, sexuality or background. If you are frightened of a partner, ex‑partner, family member or someone you live with, you are not alone.
Support is free, confidential, and available right now (scroll down for a full list of support services and their contact details).
On this page you can also find information about your legal rights, including the use of a Domestic Abuse Protection Order, and how to access emergency accommodation.
What are your legal rights and protections?
Domestic abuse is never acceptable in any form. If you are frightened of someone you are in a relationship with, have previously been in a relationship with, or someone else you are personally connected to, including a family member, you have a legal right to protection and support.
There are several legal options that can help keep you safe.
- Your rights under criminal law
Abuse, threats, harassment or assault are crimes, regardless of whether the perpetrator is someone you know, live with or are related to. You can report these behaviours to the police, who can take action to keep you safe.
For more information on the police response and the criminal justice process, visit Women's Aid for information on the police and criminal prosecution process (external link).
- Applying for a civil protective order
You may be able to apply for a Non‑Molestation Order or Occupation Order.
These types of injunctions can prevent someone from contacting you, threatening you, or coming to your home. For guidance on applying, visit Women’s Aid for more information on getting an injunction (external link).
What are Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)?
DAPOs are a new type of protection order introduced under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. They are currently being piloted in specific areas, including Wigan and other areas of Greater Manchester. These orders offer flexible protection and can:
- Stop the abuser from contacting or approaching you
- Prevent them from coming to your home
- Require them to attend behaviour‑change programmes or other support.
How to apply for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)?
You can get a DAPO in three different ways, depending on your situation:
If the police believe you need immediate protection, they may issue a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN). They must then apply to the magistrates’ court for a DAPO within 48 hours (excluding Sundays and bank holidays). You do not need to attend the hearing.
- You can apply directly to the court yourself
You do not need a DAPN first. Victims can apply directly through the family court or civil court, and applications can be made with or without notice to the abuser where appropriate.
- Someone else can apply on your behalf
A DAPO can also be applied for by a relative, social worker, or the police through ongoing criminal proceedings, and the court itself during family or civil hearings.
Do I need a solicitor for a DAPO?
You do not have to use a solicitor, but legal advice can be helpful. DAPO applications are eligible for civil legal aid, depending on your circumstances.
How to get emergency accommodation
You have the right to be safe. If you are experiencing domestic abuse from someone you are personally connected to, you may need to access emergency accommodation to protect yourself and your family.
We understand that leaving your home is not always straightforward. You may be worried about practical barriers, have no local support network, feel unable to leave, or be prevented from doing so. Whatever your situation, you are entitled to support.
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, local authorities have a statutory duty to help victims access safe, relevant accommodation, which may include refuges, dispersed safe units, sanctuary schemes or other forms of emergency housing.
There are services that can help you plan your safety, explore your options and, where needed, support you to access emergency accommodation quickly. See the table below for local and national services that can help you stay safe and secure.
Domestic abuse helplines and support
List of domestic abuse helplines and support
| Organisation | Contact details |
|---|
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Police (if you're in immediate danger)
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999
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Police (non-emergency)
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101
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Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse helpline (external link) - Support, advice and counselling for those affected by domestic abuse and anyone concerned about the wellbeing of others
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01942 311365, Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm
[email protected]
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Greater Manchester victim support (external link) - Greater Manchester and Wigan
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0300 303 0162, Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm
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National Domestic Abuse (DA) Helpline (Refuge) (external link) - A national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
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0808 200 0247
(24 hour helpline)
Contact National DA online (external link)
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(For men) Mankind (external link) - Confidential support and advice for male victims of domestic abuse, as well as their friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues
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01823 334244, Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm
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(LGBT) Galop (external link) - Advice, support and referral services for LGBT people experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex violence
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0800 999 5428, Mon to Fri 10am to 5pm, Wed to Thurs 10am to 8pm
[email protected]
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Hollie Guard app (external link) - Turns your phone into a personal safety device. Allow selected contacts to view where you are/where you're going, set timers for meeting people and shake or tap the screen to generate an alert
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Download it on the App store or Google play |
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Bright Sky app (external link) - Offers an ‘Am I at Risk’ questionnaire, personal diary to log voice recordings, pictures and text, uses your location to provide the nearest support to you and has an emergency call button
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Download it on the App store or Google play |