Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 provides for a single set of civil remedies to deal with domestic violence and to regulate occupation of the family home, through two specific types of order: the occupation order and the non-molestation order.
These remedies are available at all levels of court (magistrates, county and High) with jurisdiction in family matters. The remedies are available to men and women.
A much wider range of people are able to apply for orders under Part IV than under the previous law. Under the Family Law Act, the following "associated persons" are able to apply for such an order.
An associated person other than a spouse/ex-spouse/cohabitant/ex-cohabitant may only apply for an occupation order on a property where they are already entitled to occupy it (e.g. through tenancy, or ownership).
Where the court makes an occupation order or non-molestation order and it appears to the court that the respondent has used or threatened violence against the applicant or a relevant child, then the court must attach a power of arrest unless it is satisfied that the applicant or child will be adequately protected without such a power.
Further information on domestic violence is carried on the Home Office website.