I have posted this in chat for traffic as need quick answers.
Best friend has just been granted an ex parte non molestation order against abusive ex partner. They do not live together nor do they have children but he has subjected her to about a decade of physical, emotional, sexual abuse. Has reported to him to police twice before now. He was arrested for harassment, released on bail and received a caution - she got the non mol order to prevent him continuing to harass her after his bail ended.
We are pretty sure he is going to contest it. They have both been called back to a hearing in a weeks' time but that is only fifteen minutes long. We were told that if he contests it the hearing will be adjourned and she will have to then return to another 2 hour hearing where he will get to present his case properly. She has PTSD as a result of his abuse and is going to find it extremely difficult to be in the same room as him. He has now been going round telling people he doesn't know why she's done this as it has always been her harassing him (not true). She does not qualify for legal aid but cannot really afford legal representation which we were given to believe is going to cost 1000s and 1000s of £.
Has anyone been through this process before who can give me any advice to pass on to her? Her ex is extremely good at playing the 'nice reasonable guy' as many of these men are. We are worried the court will buy his act.
Please help, she is in total turmoil about it. She had to get the non molestation order application in herself with zero help from any legal sources. Women's aid and similar organisations don't seem to be able to help either.