Knife Crime and Domestic Abuse: Non-Molestation Orders in the UK
Knife crime remains a serious issue across the UK, and its relevance to cases of domestic abuse cannot be overstated. Many incidents of domestic violence involve the use of knives or sharp objects, highlighting the need for stronger protective measures such as non-molestation orders.
October is Domestic Abuse Awareness month. This is an annual campaign to show support to survivors and raise awareness about domestic abuse.
Also this month, the evocative Knife Angel statue has been on display in Welwyn Garden City town centre. The statue, designed by Alfie Bradley, is made from over 100,000 surrendered blades. The statue tours the UK, as a symbol of both loss and hope in towns throughout the country. Alongside the statue, there have been various initiatives taking place to raise awareness about knife crime, sparking important conversations about prevention, education, and healing.
The Knife Angel statue in Welwyn Garden City - October 2025
In this article, Head of Public Law Sian Churchill highlights the serious connection between knife crime and domestic abuse, emphasising the importance of early legal intervention and awareness.
Knife Crime and Domestic Abuse in the UK
Knife-related domestic violence continues to be a serious and escalating concern. Many high-profile cases illustrate the devastating outcomes when domestic abuse escalates into knife attacks.
Knives and sharp instruments remain the most common weapons used to kill women in the UK. According to ONS data for the year ending March 2022, one in three female homicide victims was killed by a current or former partner, while 13% were killed by a relative. Around 40% of these deaths occurred in or around the home.
Statistics
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2025 reported that 7.8% of people aged 16 and over (around 3.8 million individuals) had experienced domestic abuse within the last year. During the same period, there were 53,047 reported offences involving knives or sharp instruments, and 535 homicides, 40% of which involved the use of knives.
In addition, there were 3,508 admissions to NHS England and Wales for injuries caused by sharp objects.
According to Living Without Abuse (LWA), domestic abuse:
- Affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men during their lifetime
- Leads to an average of two women being murdered each week and 30 men each year
- Involves an average of 35 assaults before a victim reports to the police
The Office for National Statistics (ONS)' Domestic Abuse report for November 2024 confirmed that women were disproportionately represented among victims of domestic abuse-related crimes, with 72.5% of all victims being female.
These statistics demonstrate the extremely strong connection between knife crime and domestic abuse. If you fear harm or threats from a partner or family member, including injury from knives, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect yourself. A non-molestation order can help by clearly prohibiting an abuser from contacting or threatening you, and provides legal protection should this happen.
The Legal Framework Around Knife Crime
What Counts as Knife Crime?
Knife crime refers to offences involving knives or other bladed or pointed items. These can include razors, swords, axes, bayonets, forks, needles, arrows, and broken glass bottles.
What Happens if a Child is Caught with a Knife?
Children can face prison sentences of up to four years if convicted of carrying a knife or bladed article.
What is the Average Sentence for Knife Crime?
The law states that offenders who bring a weapon to the scene of a crime face a minimum 25-year sentence, while those who do not bring a weapon face a minimum of 15 years. Domestic abusers are more likely to receive sentences at the lower end of this range because they are more likely to use household knives rather than bring a weapon with them.
Non-Molestation Orders and Knife Crime
What is a Non-Molestation Order?
A non-molestation order is a Family Law order designed to protect victims from harassment, intimidation, and violence. You can apply if you are associated with the respondent, which includes partners, former partners, family members, or individuals you share parental responsibility with.
The order sets out clear prohibitions, including preventing the respondent from:
- Using or threatening violence
- Intimidating, harassing, or pestering you
- Contacting you directly or indirectly
- Approaching your home or place of work
It can also extend to include your children where necessary.
How Effective is a Non-Molestation Order?
Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence. Once served on the respondent, it provides enforceable protection under the Family Law Act 1996, helping to deter further violence or threats.
Applying for a Non-Molestation Order
To apply, complete Form FL401, setting out the details of your relationship, the abuse suffered, and why you urgently need court protection. You will also need to prepare a supporting statement outlining your evidence.
Your statement will form part of the court’s evidence, and additional evidence such as police disclosure may be ordered if needed.
Please contact us if you need legal assistance completing the FL401 and supporting statement.
When Non-Molestation Orders Are Breached
Sentencing and Penalties
Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence under Section 42A of the Family Law Act 1996.
- On indictment, the penalty can be up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
- On summary conviction in the magistrates’ court, the penalty can include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Proving a Breach
To prove a breach, it must be shown that:
- The respondent was aware of the order (served or present in court)
- They acted without reasonable excuse in doing something the order prohibited
Reasonable Excuse for Breach
There are very limited circumstances that might constitute a reasonable excuse, such as a medical emergency involving a child. Even accidental contact can be reportable if the respondent fails to leave the situation immediately.
Criminal Record and Police Notification
While the non-molestation order itself is a family order and not a criminal conviction, any breach of the order will appear on the respondent’s criminal record. Police are notified when the order is served on the respondent, by your solicitor.
Domestic Abuse, Knife Crime, and Victim Protection
The Link Between Domestic Abuse and Knife Threats
Knife crime can be used as a method of coercion and control in domestic abuse situations. The government has recognised this issue and has previously consulted on increasing sentences for knife crime committed in domestic settings.
Challenges in High-Risk Cases
While non-molestation orders provide important protection, they are not without challenges. Common issues include:
- Inconsistent enforcement across police forces
- Delays in serving emergency orders
- Potential misuse in family disputes
- Counter-applications by abusers
- Difficulties in serving the respondent, particularly for self-represented applicants
Breaches Encouraged by Victims
Even if a victim encourages contact, the respondent remains legally responsible for complying with the order. Any response may still result in arrest or prosecution.
Conclusion
The evidence clearly shows a direct link between knife crime and domestic abuse in the UK. Victims should seek protection at the earliest possible stage to prevent escalation and harm.
If you are at risk, applying for a non-molestation order can be a crucial step in safeguarding yourself and your family. Breaches of such orders must be reported to the police immediately.
Legal Aid may be available for eligible applicants.
Our Family Law team can provide support, advice, and representation to help you stay safe and protected. Please contact us if you require any confidential legal advice on any of the topics discussed in this article.