You do not have to face the courts on your own. Victims of domestic abuse can often get legal aid, and some services give free legal advice.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
Citizens Advice
Free advice on benefits, debt, housing, court orders and immigration if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Who it is for In England and Wales: anyone, of any gender. Citizens Advice in Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own advice pages.
First step Find your nearest Citizens Advice or use their online chat to talk to a trained adviser.
Good to know Their pages have a 'Hide this page' button that takes you to Google.
Legal aid for domestic abuse (England and Wales)
Help paying for legal advice and court help, for example protective orders, child arrangements or finances after an abusive relationship.
Who it is for In England and Wales: people who have evidence that they or their children have experienced domestic abuse and cannot afford legal costs.
First step Use GOV.UK's free 'Check if you can get legal aid' service. A legal adviser applies for you; you can talk to one before you have evidence.
Good to know GOV.UK explains how to use the service safely, including how to delete your browsing history.
Rights of Women advice lines
Free, confidential legal advice by phone from women lawyers on domestic abuse, family and child arrangements, criminal law and immigration.
Who it is for Women in England and Wales.
First step Call one of their advice lines (family, criminal or immigration and asylum). Lines are busy, so keep trying and read their legal guides.
Good to know Advice is for the law in England and Wales only. Use their 'Hide Your Tracks' link if needed.
Law Centres
Local charities with lawyers who give free legal advice and can represent you, for example on housing or benefits problems.
Who it is for People in parts of the UK who cannot afford a lawyer. Law Centres focus on those in greatest need.
First step Check the Law Centres Network list or map for a Law Centre near you and contact it.
Good to know Law Centres are local, so check the list for one near you.
Legal aid in Scotland
Help towards legal costs in Scotland, including civil cases such as disputes about children or housing.
Who it is for In Scotland: people who cannot afford to pay for a solicitor.
First step Find a solicitor who does legal aid work. They will tell you if you are likely to qualify and help you apply.
Good to know You may have to pay something towards costs, depending on your finances.
Legal aid for victims of domestic abuse (Northern Ireland)
Help with legal costs to get a non-molestation or occupation order, or to respond if an abuser applies about the children.
Who it is for In Northern Ireland: victims of domestic abuse. How much is covered depends on your income, savings and property.
First step Talk to a solicitor who does legal aid work. They can work out any costs and help you apply.
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the UKMoney help in the UK when you leave an abusive partner: Universal Credit, benefits advice and free debt advice.
- A safe place to live in the UKSomewhere safe to stay in the UK when you leave abuse: refuges, council homelessness help and housing advice.
- The police and court orders in the UKReporting abuse to the police in the UK, non-molestation and occupation orders, Clare's Law and support for victims of crime.
- Children and child arrangements in the UKHelp for children and parents in the UK after abuse: child arrangements, Cafcass, and when you do not have to go to mediation.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the UKIf your visa in the UK depends on your partner: the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession and settlement as a victim of domestic abuse.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the UKHealth care in the UK after abuse or sexual assault: Sexual Assault Referral Centres, your GP and rape crisis support.
- Help for particular groups in the UKHelp in the UK for men, LGBT+ people, older and disabled people, and people facing forced marriage, from services that know your situation.