Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Allow family courts to attach powers of arrest to non-molestation orders again
Closed
591 signatures
What the petition asks
A power of arrest effectively deterred breach as reported breach normally resulted in immediate arrest and a contempt hearing before a senior judge. It promoted calm while the court resolved related issues, crucially children, which can make victims vulnerable to former partners.
Family courts were prevented from attaching powers of arrest in 2007 when breach became an offence to be prosecuted in the criminal courts.
However, taking action is now solely a matter for the police and CPS, not the civil courts, and victims face the ordeal of testifying in criminal proceedings of uncertain date and outcome.
When half of domestic killings occur around separation, powers of arrest provided continuous victim protection, with swift accountability for perpetrators of breach.
However, taking action is now solely a matter for the police and CPS, not the civil courts, and victims face the ordeal of testifying in criminal proceedings of uncertain date and outcome.
When half of domestic killings occur around separation, powers of arrest provided continuous victim protection, with swift accountability for perpetrators of breach.
Timeline
| 10 Nov 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 10 May 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
591
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
10 Nov 2020
Closed
10 May 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.