The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) specialises in assisting survivors of abuse, regardless of gender, obtain protective injunctions quickly. Headquartered in Guildford but operating nationally, NCDV has forged strong partnerships with police forces, local councils, and law firms. Their core objective is to help clients secure legal measures, particularly Non-Molestation Orders or Occupational Orders, through an expedited process.
Clients can phone or fill in an online referral form to trigger the process, after which NCDV staff guide them through evidence-gathering, drafting statements, and lodging applications with the local court. This can be done in as little as 24 hours under emergency circumstances. It’s a lifeline for those who might not qualify for full legal aid yet can’t afford private solicitors.
Although the charity primarily handles initial injunctions, they’re also able to signpost to relevant family-law specialists if more extensive legal support is required, like child arrangement disputes or financial settlements. Another highlight is their work with the police; NCDV ensures that if an injunction is breached, relevant authorities are updated promptly, enhancing survivor safety.
Key Services
- Emergency Injunctions: Facilitation of Non-Molestation and Occupational Orders without a solicitor’s fee.
- 24/7 Support: Rapid responses for high-risk cases, often handled within hours.
- Legal Signposting: Referrals to pro bono or reduced-fee family-law representation for ongoing matters.
- Collaboration with Police: Ensures local constabularies enforce protective orders effectively.
Why It’s Valuable
The NCDV meets a critical gap between survivors’ need for immediate legal protection and the complexities of hiring solicitors or navigating legal aid. For instance, a person fleeing domestic violence might be in urgent danger but have moderate financial assets that disqualify them from legal aid – NCDV steps in to ensure money doesn’t become a barrier to safety.
Their swift turnaround times, empathetic staff, and thorough knowledge of the court application process can genuinely spell the difference between life-threatening risk and a secure environment. By focusing on injunctions, they free survivors from the immediate threat, allowing them space to consider next steps like divorce or child contact with more stability. In a family-law landscape often bogged down by red tape, NCDV’s streamlined service is a beacon of hope and efficiency for those in dire need.
Website: https://www.ncdv.org.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1156672