Protection from Harassment Orders

We understand that harassment can take many forms and can come from different sources, and these might not always be ‘family’ relationships. Harassment can deeply affect people and can lead to more serious unwanted behaviors. Our domestic abuse solicitors will always advise that the first port of call should be the police as they are able to respond immediately and can provide protection. They also have numerous powers to deal with harassment, as do the criminal courts. There are also specific charities that can help if you are being stalked and harassed.

 

The law can help with specific protection. Most people will be able to seek additional protection by applying for a non-molestation order as the definition of ‘associated’ is wide and covers most family relationships but it doesn’t cover all situations including neighbours, colleagues or family relationships not legally recognised in the UK but permitted in certain religions such as second wives; in these cases the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 can help.

 

The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 says that a person must not pursue a course of conduct that amounts to harassment of another and which the person knows or ought to know it amounts to harassment of another. Conduct includes speech, harassment includes alarming a person and causing them distress. Our domestic abuse solicitors can provide you with advice about obtaining an injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act to offer you protection. The conditions set out in the injunction can be supported by a ‘power of arrest’ This means that if the injunction is breached the police have the ability to arrest the person.

 

If a person breached an injunction made under the Protection from Harassment Act, without reasonable excuse, they would be guilty of an offence. This could be dealt with by either the Family Court through contempt of court proceedings or by criminal proceedings.

 

Our family team can help you with a full range of legal services.

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