Domestic abuse support
You deserve to feel safe. We can help you get there.
If you have experienced domestic abuse and have been referred to us, we are here to support you through the process of building your case — safely, confidentially, and at your pace.
What we do for domestic abuse clients
Lantern Pathways provides specialist casework support for victims of domestic abuse. We do not give legal advice — that is the role of your solicitor. What we do is prepare everything a solicitor needs so they can act quickly and effectively on your behalf.
Recognising abuse
Abuse takes many forms.
Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can take many different forms, and you may not always recognise what is happening as abuse. If any of the following feels familiar, you are not alone — and support is available.
Physical abuse
Hitting, pushing, kicking, restraining, or any other use of physical force. This includes threats of physical harm, even if they are never carried out.
Emotional and psychological abuse
Putting you down, humiliating you, making you feel worthless, isolating you from friends and family, or making you doubt your own memory and perception of events.
Coercive and controlling behaviour
A pattern of behaviour that takes away your freedom — controlling where you go, who you see, what you wear, or what you do. This is a criminal offence in England and Wales.
Economic abuse
Controlling your access to money, stopping you from working, running up debt in your name, or taking money from you without your consent.
Sexual abuse
Any sexual act carried out without your consent, including within a relationship or marriage. You always have the right to say no.
Stalking and harassment
Following you, monitoring your movements, repeatedly contacting you against your wishes, or making you feel frightened, distressed, or unsafe.
Online and tech abuse
Using technology to monitor, control, or harass you — including tracking your location, accessing your accounts, sharing private images without consent, or using smart home devices to intimidate you.
Your legal options explained
What the law can do to protect you.
There are several legal orders that can help protect you. Below is a plain-English summary of each. A solicitor will advise you on which options are right for your situation and make any applications on your behalf.
Non-molestation order
A court order that prevents the other person from contacting you, harassing you, or coming near you. Breaching it is a criminal offence.
A solicitor will advise on whether this is right for you and make the application.
Occupation order
A court order that sets out who can live in the family home — it can require the other person to leave, even if they own or rent the property.
A solicitor will advise on eligibility and make the application.
Prohibited steps order
A family court order that prevents a parent from taking a specific action in relation to a child — for example, taking the child out of the country or removing them from their school.
A solicitor will advise on whether this applies to your situation.
Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)
A newer type of order that can impose a wide range of conditions on the perpetrator to protect you. DAPOs are being rolled out across England and Wales.
A solicitor will advise on availability in your area and whether this is appropriate.
Non-molestation orders
A non-molestation order is a court order that prevents an abuser from contacting or harassing you. We help you gather the evidence and documentation needed to support an application, and prepare a clear, organised file for your solicitor to take forward.
Occupation orders
An occupation order can determine who lives in the family home. We help you document your circumstances, gather supporting evidence, and prepare the case file your solicitor will need to make an application on your behalf.
Gathering evidence safely
We understand that gathering evidence can feel frightening or risky. Our team is trained in trauma-informed practice and will work with you carefully, at your pace, to identify and organise evidence in a way that keeps you as safe as possible.
Useful helplines
You can also reach out to these organisations.
All numbers below are free to call from landlines and most mobile networks.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247
Free to call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Run by Refuge.
Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327
Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse.
Galop LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247
Support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
Silent Solution
999 then press 55
If you can't speak when you call 999, press 55 to alert the operator that you need help.
You have been referred to us. What happens next?
If you have been referred to Lantern Pathways, we will be in touch to explain the process and answer any questions you have. There is no pressure and no rush.