Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Molestation definition

What does Molestation mean? In legal practice, molestation describes conduct towards an applicant or child that harasses, pesters, intimidates or abuses them—physically, sexually or psychologically—so as to cause, or be likely to cause, distress or alarm. Violence is not a prerequisite. A positive intent to molest need not be proved; it is enough that the respondent’s deliberate acts have that consequence. Direct interaction is unnecessary: indirect or third‑party communications, surveillance and online behaviour may suffice. In England & Wales and Northern Ireland, the term most often features in non‑molestation orders (Family Law Act 1996; Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order...

Domestic abuse family court injunctions: non-molestation and occupation orders—eligibility, procedure, court tests, duration, enforcement and undertakings

Published by a LexisNexis Family expert

Precedents

This overview offers general guidance on injunctions in the family courts to protect against Domestic abuse. Your family lawyer can provide specific advice tailored to your situation.

Family homes and domestic abuse

If you are facing violence, threats or intimidation, you can apply to the family courts for an injunction to help protect you. There are two types of injunction:

a Non-Molestation Order, and
an Occupation order

What is a non-molestation order?

A non-molestation order restrains your partner or spouse from using or threatening violence against you or your children, or from intimidating, harassing or pestering you. It can include detailed provisions tailored to the particular behaviour affecting you.

Who can apply?

To seek a non-molestation order you must be an associated person, as defined in the relevant legislation. This includes current and former spouses, civil partners and cohabitants, as well as fiancé(e)s, relatives, people living in the same household, the parents of children in the home, and those who have been in intimate personal relationships of significant duration. Your family lawyer will advise whether you are eligible to apply...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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