Protection Orders & Legal Protections

Understanding Protection Orders, Safety Measures and Legal Safeguards The law provides a range of protective measures designed to help safeguard individuals, families, children and communities from abuse, violence, harassment, stalking, exploitation and other harmful behaviours. Protection orders are legal tools used by courts and law enforcement agencies to help prevent harm, manage risk and promote safety while respecting the rights of all parties involved. This guide explains the main protection orders available in England and Wales, how they may be used, and the legal rights and safeguards that apply. This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Understanding Protection Orders

What Are Protection Orders?

Protection orders are legal orders made by courts to:

• Protect individuals from harm.
• Prevent harassment.
• Restrict contact.
• Manage risks.
• Safeguard vulnerable people.
• Prevent further offending.

Different orders apply in different circumstances and may be available through criminal, family or civil courts.

Protection orders do not automatically prove wrongdoing but are legal mechanisms designed to reduce risk and promote safety.

Non-Molestation Orders

What is a Non-Molestation Order?

A Non-Molestation Order is a family court order designed to protect individuals and children from:

• Domestic abuse.
• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Violence.
• Intimidation.

The order can prohibit certain behaviours and contact.

Breaching a Non-Molestation Order may be a criminal offence.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence

Domestic Abuse Act 2021

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17/contents

Occupation Orders

Living Arrangements and Safety

An Occupation Order determines who can live in a family home and may regulate access to the property.

The court may consider:

• Safety.
• Welfare of children.
• Housing needs.
• Risk of harm.
• Individual circumstances.

Occupation Orders are commonly considered in domestic abuse cases.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/injunction-domestic-violence

Restraining Orders

Protection Following Criminal Proceedings

A Restraining Order may be imposed by a criminal court to protect someone from:

• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Abuse.
• Stalking.

The court may impose a restraining order following conviction or, in some circumstances, acquittal where legal requirements are met.

Breaching a restraining order is a criminal offence.

Crown Prosecution Service

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/restraining-orders

Stalking Protection Orders

Protection from Stalking Behaviour

Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) help protect people experiencing stalking.

They may impose restrictions relating to:

• Contact.
• Locations.
• Online activity.
• Communication.
• Monitoring behaviour.

Orders can be applied for before a criminal conviction where legal criteria are met.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

https://www.suzylamplugh.org

National Stalking Helpline

https://www.stalkinghelpline.org

Telephone:

0808 802 0300

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

Domestic Abuse Protection Measures

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are designed to strengthen protection for people experiencing domestic abuse.

They may include restrictions and positive requirements intended to:

• Prevent abuse.
• Reduce risk.
• Promote safety.

The use and implementation of DAPOs continues to develop under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 framework.

Government Domestic Abuse Information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders

Managing Risk

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) may be used to protect the public from sexual harm.

The court may impose restrictions where legal criteria are met.

Examples may include restrictions relating to:

• Contact with children.
• Internet use.
• Travel.
• Specific activities.

Orders must be proportionate and lawful.

CPS Guidance

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/sexual-offences

Child Protection Orders

Protecting Children

The courts have powers to make orders to protect children from harm.

These may include:

• Emergency Protection Orders.
• Care Orders.
• Supervision Orders.
• Child Arrangement Orders where safeguarding issues arise.

The welfare of the child is the court's paramount consideration.

Children Act 1989

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents

Cafcass

https://www.cafcass.gov.uk

Emergency Protection Orders

Immediate Child Protection

Emergency Protection Orders may be used where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of significant harm.

The order may provide temporary protective powers while concerns are assessed.

Care Orders

Long-Term Safeguarding

A Care Order places a child under the care of a local authority where the court determines legal criteria have been met.

The court must carefully consider:

• Welfare.
• Family circumstances.
• Human rights.
• Evidence.

Supervision Orders

Supporting Families

A Supervision Order allows a local authority to supervise and support a child's welfare while the child remains with parents or carers.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders

Protection from Forced Marriage

Forced Marriage Protection Orders can help protect individuals at risk of forced marriage.

They may contain a range of restrictions designed to prevent harm.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Forced Marriage Unit

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Telephone:

020 7008 0151

Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders

Protection from FGM

FGM Protection Orders are designed to safeguard individuals at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-resource-pack

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law)

Right to Ask and Right to Know

Clare's Law allows information sharing in certain circumstances where someone may be at risk of domestic abuse.

Official Information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-disclosure-scheme-clares-law

Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions

Protecting Communities

Courts may issue injunctions to address persistent anti-social behaviour.

These measures seek to protect individuals and communities from ongoing harm.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-asb-case-review-also-known-as-the-community-trigger

Sexual Risk Orders

Prevention and Risk Management

Sexual Risk Orders may be used where there is concern regarding risk of sexual harm even where there has not been a criminal conviction.

The court must be satisfied legal requirements have been met.

Criminal Behaviour Orders

Addressing Ongoing Harm

Criminal Behaviour Orders may be imposed following conviction to prevent further anti-social or harmful conduct.

Serious Crime Prevention Orders

Preventing Serious Criminal Activity

Serious Crime Prevention Orders may be used to restrict activities linked to serious organised crime.

Serious Fraud Office

https://www.sfo.gov.uk

Gang Injunctions

Community Safety Measures

Gang injunctions may be used to reduce violence and protect communities where legal criteria are satisfied.

Modern Slavery & Trafficking Protection Orders

Protecting Victims and Communities

Modern Slavery and Trafficking Orders may be used to manage risks posed by individuals involved in exploitation and trafficking.

Modern Slavery Helpline

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

Telephone:

08000 121 700

Witness Protection Measures

Supporting Witnesses

Witnesses may receive additional protections including:

• Special Measures.
• Anonymity orders.
• Witness protection arrangements.
• Safeguarding support.

Witness Service

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/witness-service

Special Measures for Victims and Witnesses

Court Support

Special Measures may include:

• Video links.
• Screens in court.
• Communication assistance.
• Separate waiting areas.

CPS Guidance

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/special-measures

Human Rights & Legal Safeguards

Balancing Protection and Rights

Protection orders must operate within legal frameworks and respect:

• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Data Protection Act 2018.
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
• Children Act 1989.
• Children Act 2004.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Care Act 2014.

Courts must consider:

• Necessity.
• Proportionality.
• Evidence.
• Public safety.
• Individual rights.
• Welfare considerations.

Everyone involved retains legal rights, including access to legal representation and fair court processes.

Equality & Accessibility

Access to Justice

Individuals seeking protection should have equal access to support regardless of:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sexual orientation.
• Gender reassignment.
• Pregnancy or maternity status.

Reasonable adjustments should be available where needed.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Additional Protection Orders & Legal Protections

These additional legal protections complement the wider protection orders framework and help safeguard children, vulnerable adults, victims, witnesses and communities. Courts, police, local authorities and safeguarding agencies must always balance protection, public safety, human rights and due process.

Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs)

Immediate Child Protection

An Emergency Protection Order may be granted by a Family Court where there is reasonable cause to believe a child is at immediate risk of significant harm.

The order may:

• Remove a child to a place of safety.
• Prevent removal of a child from a safe location.
• Allow urgent safeguarding action.

Emergency Protection Orders are intended to be short-term emergency measures.

Children Act 1989

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents

Care Orders & Supervision Orders

Long-Term Child Protection

A Care Order places a child under the care of a local authority.

A Supervision Order allows local authority oversight while a child remains with their family.

The court's paramount consideration is always the welfare of the child.

Cafcass

https://www.cafcass.gov.uk

Child Arrangement Orders & Safeguarding

Family Court Orders

Child Arrangement Orders determine:

• Where a child lives.
• Time spent with parents or carers.
• Contact arrangements.

Where safeguarding concerns exist, the court may consider:

• Domestic abuse.
• Child protection concerns.
• Risk assessments.
• Welfare reports.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/looking-after-children-divorce

Forced Marriage Protection Orders

Preventing Forced Marriage

These orders help protect individuals from being forced into marriage against their will.

The court can impose restrictions to prevent:

• Travel.
• Contact.
• Arrangements for marriage.

Forced Marriage Unit

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders

Protecting Individuals at Risk

FGM Protection Orders help protect girls and women at risk of Female Genital Mutilation.

The court can impose conditions designed to reduce risk and prevent harm.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-resource-pack

Sexual Risk Orders

Managing Risk

Sexual Risk Orders may be used where a person presents a risk of sexual harm.

A criminal conviction is not always required.

Restrictions must be:

• Necessary.
• Lawful.
• Proportionate.

Criminal Behaviour Orders

Preventing Further Harm

Criminal Behaviour Orders may be imposed following criminal conviction to prevent anti-social or harmful conduct.

Conditions can restrict specific behaviour and require positive actions.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-powers

Gang Injunctions

Community Safety Measures

Gang injunctions aim to:

• Prevent violence.
• Protect communities.
• Reduce gang-related harm.

Courts must consider evidence and ensure measures are proportionate.

Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions

Protecting Communities

Injunctions may be granted to address behaviour causing nuisance, alarm, distress or harm.

These may be sought by:

• Local authorities.
• Housing providers.
• Police.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-powers

Serious Crime Prevention Orders

Restricting Serious Criminal Activity

These orders may restrict activities connected to serious organised crime.

Restrictions can relate to:

• Financial dealings.
• Business activities.
• Communication.
• Travel.

Serious Fraud Office

https://www.sfo.gov.uk

Modern Slavery & Trafficking Orders

Preventing Exploitation

Courts may impose:

Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders

Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders

These aim to reduce risks associated with:

• Human trafficking.
• Labour exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Modern slavery.

Modern Slavery Helpline

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

Telephone:

08000 121 700

Witness Protection & Anonymity Orders

Protecting Witnesses

In some cases witnesses may receive:

• Special Measures.
• Anonymity Orders.
• Witness Protection.
• Relocation support.

The level of protection depends on risk assessments and legal requirements.

Victim Special Measures

Court Support for Victims

Special Measures may assist vulnerable or intimidated victims and witnesses.

Examples include:

• Screens.
• Video links.
• Recorded evidence.
• Communication support.

CPS Guidance

https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/special-measures

Clare's Law

Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

Clare's Law allows information to be disclosed where it may help protect someone from domestic abuse.

There are two routes:

Right to Ask

Right to Know

Official Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-violence-disclosure-scheme-clares-law

Sarah's Law

Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme

Sarah's Law allows individuals to ask police whether someone who has contact with a child may pose a risk due to previous sexual offences against children.

Police assess requests carefully and only disclose information where lawful and necessary.

Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-a-person-has-a-record-for-child-sexual-offences

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)

Managing Serious Risks

MAPPA involves agencies working together to manage risks posed by certain offenders.

Agencies may include:

• Police.
• Probation.
• Prisons.
• Social services.
• Health services.

MAPPA Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-public-protection-arrangements-mappa-guidance

Public Protection Notices

Early Intervention Measures

Some agencies may issue notices or warnings intended to:

• Prevent harm.
• Encourage compliance.
• Address risks before escalation.

The type of notice depends on legislation and local procedures.

Community Protection Notices (CPNs)

Addressing Persistent Harm

Community Protection Notices may be used to address conduct that:

• Has a detrimental effect on quality of life.
• Is persistent or continuing.
• Is unreasonable.

Government Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-powers

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Protecting Public Areas

Local authorities may create PSPOs to address persistent anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

Restrictions must be:

• Necessary.
• Proportionate.
• Evidence based.

Local Government Information

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anti-social-behaviour-powers

Injunctions for Nuisance and Annoyance (IPNAs)

Civil Protection Measures

These injunctions may be used to address behaviour causing nuisance or annoyance and are commonly used in housing and community safety matters.

Court Undertakings

Alternative to Orders

A court undertaking is a formal promise made to a court.

Breaking an undertaking may result in legal consequences.

Courts may accept undertakings in some family and civil proceedings.

Civil Injunctions

Preventing Harm

Civil injunctions may be granted to prevent:

• Harassment.
• Threats.
• Trespass.
• Nuisance.
• Interference with rights.

The court will consider evidence and proportionality.

Family Court Protective Orders

Family Law Protections

Family Courts may issue a range of orders designed to protect:

• Children.
• Parents.
• Vulnerable family members.

Orders may address:

• Contact arrangements.
• Domestic abuse.
• Child welfare.
• Residence issues.

Family Court Information

https://www.gov.uk/represent-yourself-in-court

Mental Health Protection & Court Orders

Mental Health and Legal Safeguards

Certain court orders and legal powers may relate to:

• Mental Health Act provisions.
• Hospital treatment.
• Community Treatment Orders.
• Mental Capacity Act decisions.
• Court of Protection proceedings.

Mental Health Act

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/20/contents

Court of Protection

https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/court-of-protection

Court Enforcement of Orders

What Happens if an Order is Breached?

Breaches may result in:

• Arrest.
• Criminal charges.
• Civil enforcement action.
• Further court proceedings.
• Additional protective measures.

The consequences depend on the specific order and circumstances.

Breaches of Protection Orders

Reporting Concerns

If a protection order is breached:

Emergency

Call 999

Non-Emergency

Call 101

Keep records where safe and appropriate, including:

• Dates.
• Times.
• Messages.
• Photographs.
• Witness information.

Evidence may assist investigations and court proceedings.

Human Rights, Equality & Access to Justice

Balancing Safety and Rights

Protection orders must balance:

• Safety.
• Welfare.
• Human rights.
• Fair process.
• Equality.
• Public protection.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
• Children Act 1989.
• Children Act 2004.
• Care Act 2014.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• Mental Health Act 1983.
• Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• Data Protection Act 2018.

Everyone remains entitled to:

• Fair treatment.
• Access to legal advice.
• Access to courts.
• Protection from discrimination.
• Respect for privacy.
• Due process.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Support Organisations

Domestic Abuse

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Telephone:

0808 2000 247

Women's Aid

https://www.womensaid.org.uk

Refuge

https://www.refuge.org.uk

Men's Advice Line

https://mensadviceline.org.uk

Stalking

National Stalking Helpline

https://www.stalkinghelpline.org

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

https://www.suzylamplugh.org

Child Protection

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Telephone:

0808 800 5000

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Telephone:

0800 1111

Cafcass

https://www.cafcass.gov.uk

Victim Support

Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Telephone:

0808 168 9111

Legal Advice

Law Society

https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Important Notice

This website provides general information only and does not provide legal advice, representation, safeguarding investigations or emergency services.

Protection orders are legal matters that depend on individual circumstances. Anyone considering applying for, responding to, or challenging an order should seek independent legal advice.

If there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999.

Information should always be verified through current legislation, court guidance and official government sources as laws and procedures may change.