If you are in immediate danger, ring 112 or 999. The Gardaí are trained for this, and can help you get to court. Women's Aid, 1800 341 900, answers 24 hours a day.
Quick facts
- Safety order
- Stops the abuse; up to 5 years
- Barring order
- Abuser must leave; up to 3 years
- Protection order
- Short-term, until the hearing
- Emergency barring order
- Up to 8 working days
- Legal aid
- No contribution for these orders
Which order does what
- Safety order: bans violence, threats, and (if you don't live together) watching your home or contacting you. It does not remove someone you live with. It can last up to 5 years.
- Barring order: requires the person to leave the home and stay away unless the court allows it. Up to 3 years.
- Protection order: a temporary safety order, in place until the court decides your full application.
- Interim barring order: an immediate, short barring order where there is an immediate risk of significant harm.
- Emergency barring order: removes the person for up to 8 working days, even if you don't own the home or have your name on the lease.
Who can apply
Spouses and civil partners can apply for either order, however long you have lived together and even if the other person owns the house. Cohabitants and dating partners can apply for a safety order, and so can a parent of a shared child you never lived with.
A cohabitant can get a full barring order where their interest in the property is equal to or greater than the other person's. If not, an emergency barring order is still possible. Parents can apply against an adult child who is not dependent on them.
Short-term orders come with a full application
"If you want to apply for a protection order, you must also apply for a barring order or a safety order, or both." Both can be made at the same time.
Go to the hearing: if you don't turn up, the application can be struck out and the short-term order ends with it.
Legal aid with no contribution
The Legal Aid Board charges no contribution when you take, or defend, District Court proceedings for a barring, safety, protection, interim or emergency barring order, where that is the only matter before the court. Domestic violence cases are also given priority for a solicitor.
Who to ring
- Immediate danger: 112 or 999
- Women's Aid, 24 hours: 1800 341 900
- Male Advice Line: 1800 816 588
- National Sexual Violence Helpline, 24 hours: 1800 778 888
- Your local District Court office, to apply
Common questions
What is the difference between a safety order and a barring order?
A safety order bans violence and threats but does not make someone you live with leave. A barring order requires the person to leave the home and stay away.
How long does a barring order last in Ireland?
Up to 3 years from the District Court. A safety order can last up to 5 years. Both can be extended.
Can I get a barring order if I don't own the house?
An emergency barring order, lasting up to 8 working days, does not require you to own, co-own or be named on the lease. A full barring order for cohabitants depends on your interest in the property.
Is legal aid free for a barring or safety order?
There is no Legal Aid Board contribution for District Court barring, safety and protection order proceedings, where that is the only matter before the court.
Can I apply for a protection order on its own?
No. You must also apply for a safety order, a barring order, or both.