Already being hailed as one of the best series of 2023, the conclusion of Happy Valley paints a vivid picture of the kind of abuse that unfortunately thousands of people across the UK are subjected to at the hands of their partners.
Series 3 of Happy Valley takes a look at the impact of domestic abuse through Joanna and Rob Hepworth’s marriage. The Hepworth relationship may look normal to the outside world. A teacher, his wife and two young daughters. However, behind closed doors, Rob Hepworth is physically and verbally abusive. Rob puts padlocks on the fridge, beats his wife in earshot of the children and questions Joanna’s every move.
In situations similar to Joanna’s, a victim may require the assistance of a family lawyer in order to obtain protection in the form of what we refer to as a non-molestation order.
What is a non-molestation order and how can it protect you?
Domestic abuse impacts women, men and children and can take the form of psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse.
Joanna suffers all forms of abuse at the hands of her husband and the law recognises the need to protect victims like Joanna from domestic abuse.
A non-molestation order is an injunction forbidding someone from certain behaviour.
Non-molestation orders can be tailored to the victim’s need but examples of the type of behaviour it can protect you from are stalking, threats (verbal or via messaging services), harassment and violence.
It can also place a restriction on whether the respondent can attend or come within a certain distance from the family home or other properties such as your children’s school.
If you are concerned about how a non-molestation order will impact your child’s arrangements, the option to include the ability to communicate but only about the children is available.
Our discreet and friendly team are available to help. Make an enquiry below.
Who can apply for a non-molestation order?
The court must be satisfied that the person applying is an ‘associated person’ to the individual they are seeking the order against. Joanna Hepworth would have been an associated person to Rob Hepworth as they were married.
Associated person
- Are or have been married to the person
- Are or have been civil partners
- Are cohabitants or former cohabitants
- Live or have lived in the same household otherwise than merely by reason of one being the other’s employee, tenant, lodger or boarder
- Are relatives
- Have agreed to marry one another
- Have entered into a civil partnership agreement
- Are or have been in an intimate personal relationship for a significant time
- Are parents of, or have Parental Responsibility for a child
- Are parties to the same family proceedings
Still unsure? Call today and speak to a family law expert.
What will the court consider?
The court will consider the health and safety of the applicant and any relevant child. The applicant and relevant child must need protection, there must be evidence of molestation and the court must be satisfied that its judicial intervention is required to provide protection to the applicant.
What will happen if the non-molestation order is breached?
Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. A conviction for breach of a non-molestation order could lead to a sentence of up to 5 years.
How long do non-molestation orders last?
Each case is different, and the judge will look at the circumstances of each case when deciding on how long a non-molestation order should last. Usually, non-molestation orders are in place for around 3-12 months but can be extended.
If you think you may need a non-molestation order, we have an experienced family team that can advise you on your options.
At Broudie Jackson Canter our sympathetic lawyers understand how difficult and sensitive your situation is. There are a range of ways to get in touch with us for a chat. You can call us on 0151 227 1429, request a call back at a time that is safe and convenient for you, or fill in our enquiry form. If you would prefer an email back over a phone call, please let us know when you enquire.