Domestic abuse interdict meaning

A court order in Scotland prohibiting a partner, ex-partner or other associated person from approaching, contacting, harassing or otherwise abusing the protected person. In practice, it is sought to stop domestic abuse and related conduct, often on an interim basis, and may include exclusion from a home or pattern of places. The term is defined in statute. Under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 13), an interdict that the court determines to be a domestic abuse interdict can have a power of arrest attached for a period set by the court. With a power of arrest, police may arrest without warrant on reasonable suspicion of breach. Breach of the interdict itself is enforceable as contempt of court. Applications are made in the sheriff court or Court of Session, typically against a spouse, civil partner, cohabitant, former partner or person in an intimate personal relationship as provided for by the Act. Where a power of arrest is attached, Police Scotland are notified. Usage is specific to Scots law. Closely analogous remedies are: - England and Wales: non‑molestation and occupation orders (and, separately, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders). - Northern Ireland: non‑molestation and occupation orders. - Ireland: safety, barring, interim barring and protection orders.