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Written question asked by Aaron Bell (Conservative) on Monday, 31 October 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 November 2022. It was answered by Edward Argar (Conservative) on Monday, 7 November 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Non-molestation Orders

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of increasing the period of time for which non-molestation orders can be issued.

Answer

Non-molestation orders are civil orders made by the family court to protect victims and their children from the harms of domestic abuse and there is no time limit on the duration of an order.

Non-molestation orders can be made for a specified time or until a further order is made. As non-molestation orders have no statutory minimum or maximum time limit, the duration of each order is at the discretion of the court. The duration of each order will be determined by a number of factors, including, the risks of further domestic abuse, whether the order was made on notice or without notice to the respondent, and whether there has been a follow-up hearing (known as a return hearing).

In practice, these orders are often made for a period of 6-12 months, during which time the order can be varied (including to extend it) or discharged.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
74983
Session
2022-23
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Non-molestation orders
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk