Good friend needs legal advice re: husband

[rowingcah]

My friend has recently split from her husband who was abusive and potentially violent (not sure if he has been violent towards her however he has been violent towards other people). In addition, she is also about to be declared bankrupt. I have only just found out about some of the details and as a consequence I am quite worried for her. So really I have a couple of questions for the far more knowledgeable amongst you.
What kind of legal help can she get (if any) with preventing harrassment/divorce, before and when she is bankrupt?
He says he won't give her a divorce but can she force him sooner than having to wait for 5 yrs separation? I am just worried for her both mentally and physically and feel she needs to get away from him ASAP.
They aren't living together but he is still turning up unexpectedly and trying to contact her. Thanks very much

she should go to a solicior, she can divorce him now on the ground of unreasonable behaviour. she should also be calling the police if he is harassing her or failing which she could get an injunction against him, sometimes a warning letter from a solicitor is enough

Thank you county. The problem with going to a solicitor is that she hasn't got any money. Can she get legal aid or something? Obviously depending on her income etc. But as she is about to be made bankrupt that might not be an consideration. I don't know anything about legal stuff having only used a solicitor for conveyancing and wills

If she has no money or becomes bankrupt she should be able to get legal aid. As Countydurhamlass says, she can get a divorce now on the grounds of his unreasonable behaviour. She can also consider referring his harrassment to the police.

Yes she has gone to the police - so his behavior is reported and in fact he was arrested at one point. Thanks both.