I can answer some of your questions.
Non-Molestation Order
(1) How it protects you.
Usually forbids an abuser from:
Using or threatening physical violence
Intimidating, harassing or pestering
Communicating with you (if appropriate)Instructing or encouraging others
Typically granted for 6-12 months
Arrest-able offence if breached
(2) When you can apply.
Applicant and Respondent are associated persons
This is determined by s.62(3) of the Family Law Act 1996 and covers most relationships, including:
Partners and former partners
Family relations (including in-laws)People who live(d) together
People who have children together
Recent use or threat of physical violence entitles you to make an emergency application, usually meaning something within the last 5-7 days (this may be extended if there have been bail conditions or the respondent has been in prison etc).
Occupation Order
(1) How it protects you.
Regulates the family home, such as:
Suspending rights to occupy or visit
Evicting an abuser from the home
Preventing an abuser from returning
100 metres protection around the home
Can be granted for 6-12 months
A power of arrest can be attached
(2) When you can apply.
Applicant and Respondent are associated persons under the FLA 1996 (see above)Respondent has somewhere else to live (this is not always strictly necessary)Recent use or threat of physical violence
This entitles you to make an emergency application, usually meaning something within the last 5-7 days.
Prohibited Steps Order
(1) How it protects you.
Forbids someone from taking your child away from your care and control
This order is particularly appropriate when the person threatening to take away your child(ren) is ordinarily allowed to have the care and control of them.
No power of arrest attached though police may assist informally. Enforceable in the County Court as contempt of court.
Does not necessarily prevent all contact between the child(ren) and the respondent if appropriate in the circumstances
(2) When you can apply.
Applicant has parental responsibility under the Children Act 1989 (this includes all mothers and many others)
Respondent has made a recent direct or indirect threat to remove a child from your care and control is in the best interests of the relevant child(ren) with regard to their overall welfare.
How did it work in practice?
Depends on how good your local police force are, if you have any legal help and whether the abuser abides by the injunctions.
Did you leave the family home for a period of time for him to vacate?
This is a good idea if there is High Risk of serious harm of death.
Where did you go?
Somewhere safe. Relative, friend, a rented property or a refuge.
Did you change locks?
If the abuser is a joint owner of the property, they have the right to break in and change the locks back as long as they make good repairs. It's pointless changing locks unless you are the sole owner/leaseholder of the property. If you are renting, it may be in the contract that you cannot change the locks.
How long was it granted for? (I am only thinking 12 months to get me on my feet - will the judge look on that more favourably, as its short?)
They tend to be 6-12 months
Did you have to go to court and speak yourself?
If you can't afford legal help then you may be able to get a Mackenzie friend who assists you in court. You may also get support from your local Domestic Violence organisation who can advise and support you through the court process.
Did you get legal aid?
You might be able to get legal aid if you have evidence that you or your children have been victims of domestic abuse or violence and you cannot afford to pay legal costs.
You can read more about that here: www.gov.uk/legal-aid/domestic-abuse-or-violence
Is there any benefits help for victims of domestic violence? Does it speed up a claim?
You can read about that here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-violence-and-abuse-help-from-dwp/help-available-from-the-department-for-work-and-pensions-for-people-who-are-victims-of-domestic-violence-and-abuse
And here: www.refuge.org.uk/get-help-now/government-benefits/
You may also find the Women's Aid Survivor's Handbook helpful:
www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/