Emily WangOn 10 March 2026, actress and activist Mariska Hargitay was named one of TIME Magazine's 2026 Women of the Year at a gala in West Hollywood. The recognition honoured not just her 27 seasons playing Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, but her two decades of off-screen advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through the Joyful Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2004, Hargitay has pushed for legislative reform, helped clear hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits, and most recently helped pass the Take It Down Act — a federal law criminalising the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes.
Her recognition has sparked renewed conversation across the UK about one pressing question: if you're experiencing domestic violence, what are your actual legal rights?
The Scale of Domestic Abuse in the UK
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (2025–26) show that approximately 2.1 million adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the last year — roughly 1.4 million women and 751,000 men. Yet only one in five victims reports the abuse to police. The reasons are complex: fear of not being believed, financial dependency, immigration concerns, or simply not knowing what protections exist.
The law is clearer than many victims realise.
What UK Law Says About Domestic Violence
The primary legal framework in England and Wales is the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which for the first time created a statutory definition of domestic abuse that goes beyond physical violence to include:
- Coercive or controlling behaviour — systematic patterns of threats, humiliation, isolation, or monitoring
- Economic abuse — controlling finances, preventing access to money, or sabotaging employment
- Psychological and emotional abuse — manipulation, gaslighting, threats to children or pets
This broader definition matters enormously. Many survivors have experienced months or years of non-physical abuse without realising it constitutes a criminal offence. Since 2015, coercive control has been a criminal offence in England and Wales, carrying a maximum sentence of five years.
Scotland operates under separate legislation (the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018), which is similarly broad and has been widely praised as among the most comprehensive in the world.
Your Immediate Legal Options
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you have several legal remedies available regardless of whether a crime has been reported to police:
Non-Molestation Order: A civil court order that prohibits the abuser from using or threatening violence, harassing, or intimidating you. It can be obtained through a family law solicitor quickly — sometimes within 24 hours in emergency cases — and breaching it is a criminal offence.
Occupation Order: This can require the abuser to leave the family home, even if they own it jointly with you. Courts consider factors including the welfare of any children, the respective financial resources of both parties, and the likelihood of harm if the order is not granted.
Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) and Order (DVPO): The police can issue a DVPN immediately following an incident, giving you up to 48 hours of protection. This can then be extended to a DVPO by a magistrates' court for up to 28 days, without the need for you to give evidence.
Restraining Order: If a criminal prosecution occurs, courts can impose a restraining order on conviction — or even on acquittal, if the court believes it is necessary for your protection.
Financial Rights and Housing
One of the most significant barriers to leaving is financial. Many survivors don't know that:
- Legal aid is still available for family law cases involving domestic abuse — meaning a solicitor can often be engaged at no cost if you meet the income criteria and have evidence of abuse (medical records, a MARAC referral, a letter from a support worker all qualify)
- Universal Credit can be split from a joint claim in domestic abuse cases
- Local authorities have a duty to provide emergency housing** to victims of domestic abuse who are homeless or at risk
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 also strengthened protections for survivors with insecure immigration status — meaning fear of deportation should not prevent someone from seeking help.
When to Seek Legal Advice
A family law solicitor specialising in domestic abuse cases can help you understand your options at any stage — you don't need to have left the relationship, filed a police report, or have physical evidence. Many firms offer a free initial consultation.
An expert at Expert Zoom's Family Law can provide confidential advice tailored to your specific circumstances, including:
- Whether the behaviour you're experiencing meets the legal definition of domestic abuse
- Which civil remedies are most appropriate for your situation
- How to access emergency housing and financial support
- How to protect any children involved
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For confidential support, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) is available 24 hours a day. Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327.
What Mariska Hargitay's Work Has Taught Us
In her TIME interview, Hargitay described her mother Jayne Mansfield's life — and death — as a lens through which she understands vulnerability and the need for institutional protection. "Survivors don't need to be saved," she has said. "They need to be seen."
The legal system in England and Wales has moved significantly in recent decades toward seeing survivors. But the law is only useful to those who know it exists. Whether you are supporting a friend, questioning your own situation, or simply seeking to understand your rights, speaking to a qualified family law solicitor is the most effective first step toward safety.
Important: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services. For confidential advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified family law solicitor.
