Knowing where to turn can be one of the hardest parts of experiencing domestic abuse.

Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS) says a new £499,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund will help it continue providing free legal guidance for people across Norfolk over the next five years.

The aim is to help people understand their legal options early, before problems become even more difficult to deal with.

So what help is actually available?

NCLS says it can offer initial legal guidance on issues including non-molestation orders, occupation orders, legal aid and court applications.

If those terms sound unfamiliar, you're not alone.

A non-molestation order is a court order designed to help protect someone from abuse, threats, intimidation or harassment.

 An occupation order is a court order that can decide who is allowed to live in the family home, helping protect someone who may no longer feel safe there.

The organisation can also explain whether someone may qualify for legal aid, which is government funding that helps some people pay for legal advice or representation if they meet the eligibility rules.

For some court hearings, NCLS says support may also be available through a McKenzie Friend.

 A McKenzie Friend is not a solicitor, but can sit with someone in court, help organise paperwork, take notes and provide support throughout the hearing.

They cannot normally represent someone in court or speak on their behalf, but many people find having someone beside them makes the process less daunting.

The service is available to people experiencing domestic abuse from a current or former partner, or from certain qualifying family members, and covers residents throughout Norfolk—not just those living in Norwich.

Like most legal services, there are limits.

Contacting NCLS doesn't automatically mean it will take on a case or provide ongoing representation.

Appointments need to be arranged in advance, eligibility is checked before advice is given, and the organisation may not be able to assist if someone already has a solicitor or if there is a conflict of interest.

Many people also worry about confidentiality.

NCLS says information is normally treated confidentially, although safeguarding responsibilities may sometimes require information to be shared.

If it isn't safe for someone at home to see messages, answer phone calls or receive post, it's worth mentioning this when making contact so the safest way to communicate can be discussed.

Useful to know

• You don't have to wait until a court hearing has been arranged before asking about your legal options.
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• The domestic abuse advice service is available by appointment.
• If you're in immediate danger, always call 999.
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To ask about support, contact Norfolk Community Law Service on 01603 496623 (Option 3) or email family@ncls.co.uk to arrange an appointment.

NCLS also signposts people towards organisations including

NIDAS, Refuge and Victim Support, depending on the support they need.

Sometimes the hardest step is simply making the first call.

 Understanding your options early can make it easier to decide what to do next.

Useful Resources

Norfolk Community Law Service (Domestic Abuse)

Norfolk Community Law Service (Contact)

NIDAS (Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service)

Refuge

Victim Support

GOV.UK Legal Aid (Domestic Abuse)

Civil Legal Advice (GOV.UK)