According to the PSNI’s recorded crime by offence statistics from November 2020, in 2019-2020 there were 10,062 reported harassment incidents in Northern Ireland. Being the victim of harassing, threatening or intimidating behaviour can be very frightening, worrying and distressing.

Importantly, there is legal protection against this sort of behaviour under the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. This allows victims to apply to the court for Civil Injunction Order, whether the perpetrator is a neighbour, an ex-partner or a mere acquaintance. Crucially however, if you find yourself in this situation, it is imperative that you contact the police in the first instance before seeking legal advice on the options available to you. At HHD solicitors, our experienced solicitors support many clients through this legal process within NI courts.

Below, we set out the most commonly asked questions concerning civil injunctions:

1. What is a Civil Injunction?

A Civil Injunction Order stops a person from harassing, intimating, molesting or otherwise interfering with another person, including prohibiting that individual from being able to communicate or contact the victim and, in some cases, preventing them from being able to enter a certain area or property.

2. What is the criteria for obtaining a Civil Injunction Order?

In order to make an application for a civil injunction, there must be evidence of at least two separate incidents of harassment involving the same individual.  It is therefore important that any incidents are reported to the police and a record is kept of the relevant dates and times of the harassment.

Legal aid assistance is available for civil injunction proceedings. HHD Solicitors can assess your financial eligibility  and submit an application for funding on your behalf if applicable. 

3. Does the perpetrator have to be informed of proceedings prior to any Court Order?

No – interim civil injunctions can be granted on an emergency basis if the circumstances warrant it, for example, immediate threat of harm. If this is the case, a solicitor can request that the matter be dealt with by a judge as an ex-parte application where the perpetrator is unaware of the proceedings. If the civil injunction is granted, the Defendant is then served with a copy of the Order by a process server.

4. How long does the Court Order last?

A full Civil Injunction Order usually lasts for one year. However, the proceedings can sometimes be resolved by way of Undertakings, where both parties agree to refrain from contacting each other.

5. What happens if the Civil Injunction Order is breached?

If a Civil Injunction Order is breached, the matter can be brought back to court on the grounds of contempt of court. If found guilty, the perpetrator could be sent to prison.

If you are the victim of harassment and would like further information on how our specialist litigation lawyers could help you, please email carolinedunlop@hhdsolicitors.com