Understanding non-molestation orders

By MIN Ambassador, 20.04.2026

Those facing domestic abuse and post-separation abuse can find themselves caught up in the court system. If you’ve little experience of the courts, this can be a scary and challenging prospect, often at what is already one of the most difficult times of your life. 

You may come across the term Non-Molestation Order (NMO). So here we explain a little more about what that is and what it means. To be clear, this is an outline and not legal advice. If you are considering applying for a Non-Molestation Order, we recommend you take professional advice.

Understanding the court system

It’s important to remember that the Family Court and the Criminal Court are separate. The Criminal Court deals with issues around the law. The Family Court is there to resolve family disputes and to protect children’s welfare, although in recent years there have been serious concerns raised about how it does this. What happens in the Family Court is kept private with restrictions on what can be reported and what you can say about a case you are or have been involved in. 

Non-Molestation Orders can be a little confusing in that they potentially span both courts. They are issued by the Family Court. However, if someone breaches a Non-Molestation Order they are breaking the law and so it becomes a criminal matter. 

Types of Domestic Violence Order

Non-Molestation Orders are by far the most common type of order used in domestic abuse cases. The Office for National Statistics says that from July to September 2025, non-molestation orders accounted for 94% of all domestic violence remedy orders made. However, other orders are also available. 

• Occupation Orders can be used to prevent an abuser living in the home. 

• Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) are short-term emergency orders which are applied for by the police if the perpetrator has used or threatened violence. 

• Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) are still being piloted but give greater protection. They can prevent perpetrators from going near a victim’s home or workplace. 

• Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPO) can be used to protect those at risk of forced marriage.

• Police: They may issue a 48-hour Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) in urgent cases.

• Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders (FGMPO) prevent anyone at risk of FGM from being taken abroad.

You can find out more about any of these by searching for them at https://www.gov.uk/

What is a Non-Molestation Order? 

A Non-Molestation Order is a court order that’s put in place to stop another person from harassing, threatening, or being violent towards you. It can be issued to someone you are ‘associated’ with. This can mean family members, people you live or have lived with, as well as current and ex-partners. You do not have to have been married to the person. 

Some of the most common behaviours they’re designed to prevent are:

• Unnecessary contact

They may be banned from calling and messaging you (that can include through social media and email). When children are involved, this may exclude messages about the child/ren. 

• Approaching you

They can be told not to come to your home, workplace, or children’s school/nursery.  

• Threats, intimidation, and harassment 

Threats and harassment can be included, and prevent such behaviour from other people on their behalf.

• Violence

Using or threatening violence can be included. 

The judge makes the decision on what each specific Non-Molestation Order includes. 

How do you get one?

You can apply for a Non-Molestation Order at your local Family Court. You don’t need a solicitor to do this although you might want to get some advice first. You can find lots of information online for free too. 

You’ll need to explain what has been happening and why you need one. If you have evidence of unacceptable behaviours, such as threatening messages, have this ready to share.

A judge will decide if a Non-Molestation Order is granted. If it’s deemed urgent, they can do this on the same day. It can also be granted without the other person knowing right away if there's immediate danger. They are usually granted for 12 months. 

What happens if they breach it?

Although the order is granted by the Family Court, breaking the order is a criminal offence. If someone breaches the order, the law says they can be arrested and face up to 5 years in prison. However, arrests do not always happen and police response times to breaches can be slow.

Are they effective? 

It depends. Non-Molestation Orders do not always provide the protection victims need. No protection order does enough without other, coordinated support.

The most dangerous perpetrators will not be put off by what is effectively a piece of paper. There is also a risk that application can antagonize a perpetrator. So the decision around applying for one must be taken carefully. The police and domestic violence advisors take risk assessments (such as the DASH risk checklist) to advise on whether to apply. 

For some perpetrators, however, a Non-Molestation Order may make them reassess their behaviour. It sends a clear signal and ensures there are legal consequences should they continue. 

It can be validating for victims to be granted a Non-Molestation Order. They recognise the unacceptable behaviour of the perpetrator and what the victim has been going through. When victims have downplayed the behaviours or been gaslit, this can be really valuable. 

Further advice

If you are considering applying for a Non-Molestation Order, seek out as much advice as you can first. https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/ has been providing legal advice for women since 1975. Also search for local charities and legal support. You may find free legal advice or be entitled to legal aid.  Domestic Violence & Abuse · Emergency Injunction Service.