Petition · Ministry of Justice
Fund legal aid for all applicants for NMO and Occupation Orders
Open for signatures
35 signatures
What the petition asks
Many victims who need mandatory protective orders are expected to pay substantial legal fees, or navigate a complex legal system alone unaided while traumatised. This creates a 2 tier system of access to safety, where protection depends on income rather than risk.
A report has found domestic abuse features in 90% of cases before the family court. Some survivors seeking non-molestation or occupation orders are forced to represent themselves facing:
Complex legal rules and high legal fees to obtain necessary protection
Lengthy, stressful, and often retraumatising proceedings
This not only harms survivors but also places strain on an already overstretched court system.
Complex legal rules and high legal fees to obtain necessary protection
Lengthy, stressful, and often retraumatising proceedings
This not only harms survivors but also places strain on an already overstretched court system.
Timeline
| 16 Feb 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
35
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
16 Feb 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.