Abusive ex husband trying to move next door to me

[deepwater71]

Posting for advice, my abusive ex husband is doing his best to secure a house (council swap) that borders on to my garden, it's been 3 years since I got away from him after he assaulted me (was convicted) after that he stalked me right up until the lockdown. I've spoken to the council, all they are saying its they will take my concerns on board, is there anything else I can do to stop this happening? Literally cannot imagine why he would want to do this, obviously I have no contact with him!

You could go to the police and tell them your concerns. There might be something they can advise you to do. At least you would have raised your concerns about it.

You have my sympathy. My ex bought the house next door to me and there is nothing I could do about it.

In your case I'd get onto the council. Have you got a local town or county councillor?

I would get it in writing in as many places that you are worried for your safety. If you speak to anyone on the phone follow up with an email summarising what was said, highlight your concern for safety. Tell the council you'll be contacting police, MP, anyone you can to stop this. Good luck. What a shitty position to be in.

Do contact your local councillor, they have tremendous influence over council employees.

Tell them you need a new house due to your abusive ex moving next door give them the details of the ongoing case your building against him and the previous conviction

You can always look to move yourself if it comes to it - you may be able to find a mutual exchange.

Speak to your housing officer and make them aware - they're not actually going to want the potential neighbourhood issue and they have a duty of care towards you.

You can apply for a non-molestation order. You don't need to involve the police for that. If you call the National Centre for Domestic Violence (www.ncdv.org.uk/), they can talk you through the process and perhaps put you in contact with a law firm which can help you prepare the papers free of charge. You can prepare the papers yourself though.

Contact your local press and see if they will run the story, this could embarrass the council and force them to block his move.

Try speaking to the Stalking charity paladinservice.co.uk/

Get advice from a solicitor about applying for a non-molestation order. You could try the Rights of Women family law helpline and/or contact your local Women's Aid and ask about legal help.

Some info here
rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/violence-against-women-and-international-law/domestic-violence-injunctions/#A%20non-molestation%20order

Also see
www.ncdv.org.uk/non-molestation-order/
It looks like NCDV can help you apply for the non mol order.

I’d make a massive fuss about it. Get in touch with your local councillor and MP. These links will help you find them:

www.gov.uk/find-your-local-councillors

members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP

Thank you all, I've spoken to paladin and the housing association, its beyond a shit show and I'll be doing everything everyone says first thing Monday.... Thank you!

And I won't be moving... Why should I?

It’s a lot easier to get a non mol as it’s done on a balance of probabilities, and a civil injunction rather than a restraining order which is applied for on conviction of a criminal offence. So basically a judge will look at whether it is likely that what you are claiming has happened has happened in order to grant the non mol rather than beyond reasonable doubt in a criminal court which would also involve you needing another criminal offence alongside it for him to be charged with and going to court for.

Non mols can be granted within a week, ncdv can do them for free(if on benefits) or a lot cheaper depending on your income. Then you only pay for them to be issued.

Any update, OP? I'm shocked that you were denied a restraining order and hope you have managed to get this sorted?