Restraining Orders – A change in the Law

Solicitors have welcomed a change in the law which will allow the criminal courts, to make restraining orders against the perpetrators of domestic violence, whether they have been convicted of an offence involving violence or not.

Criminal courts have until now only been able to make an order after a conviction for harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.

Following implementation of section 12 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, orders can be made following a conviction for any offence where the court believes it is necessary to protect people from harassment or conduct that are likely to put them in fear of violence.