Witness statement for a non-molestation order: example and guide
The FL401 tells the court what you are asking for. Your witness statement tells it why. It is the heart of your application: your evidence, in your own words, confirmed by a signed statement of truth.
We will write it for you at no cost – just describe what has happened and we turn it into a properly organised statement. If you'd prefer to write your own, use the guide and example below.
How it should look
- A heading naming the court ("In the Family Court at [court]"), the case number if you have one, and both parties' names
- The title "Witness statement of [your full name]"
- Numbered paragraphs, each making one point
- Written as "I", and in date order where you can
- A signed and dated statement of truth at the end:
I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth.
A running order that works
- Introductions. Both names and ages, how you know each other, when the relationship began and ended, whether you lived together, and any children.
- Your reason for applying. A sentence or two – e.g. "I seek a non-molestation order because the respondent keeps threatening me and will not stop contacting me."
- How it started. The first incident.
- The most serious incidents. What happened, what was said, injuries, witnesses, any police or medical involvement.
- The latest incident. Crucial for urgency – give the exact date.
- Patterns. Controlling money, checking your phone, cutting you off from people, threats, following you, online abuse, damaging things.
- The impact. On your safety, sleep, health, work and the children.
- Why without notice (urgent cases). What you fear would happen if they were warned.
- The order you want. For example no contact, and staying away from your home.
What makes a statement persuasive
- Detail beats generalities. "On 14 September 2026 he pushed me into the kitchen wall and said he'd kill me if I left" carries far more weight than "he was violent".
- Quote threats word for word, in quotation marks.
- Approximate dates are fine – "around Easter 2025" is better than nothing.
- Stick to the facts. Exaggeration undermines you; plain description convinces.
- Mention your evidence – messages, photos, crime numbers – even if you don't attach it. See the evidence you need.
- Be selective. Most statements run to 3–8 pages. Pick incidents that show the pattern rather than every argument.
- Leave out a secret address. Call it "my home".
Example extract (invented)
IN THE FAMILY COURT AT [COURT NAME]
Applicant: Sarah Patel · Respondent: Daniel Reid
Witness statement of Sarah Patel
1. I am the Applicant. I make this statement in support of my application for a non-molestation order. Everything in it is within my own knowledge.
2. The Respondent and I were together from March 2020 until 10 July 2026. From 2022 we lived together at a flat I rent. We have a son, Leo Reid, born 14 February 2023, who lives with me.
3. At about 10pm on 5 October 2026 the Respondent arrived at my flat without warning. He hammered on the door for around fifteen minutes, shouting "You can't hide from me." Leo woke and was very upset. I rang the police (reference 1234-05102026); he had gone by the time they came.
4. Since 10 July 2026 the Respondent has sent me more than 150 messages, which I have screenshotted. Several say he will "take Leo away" and that he knows which nursery Leo attends.
5. The most serious incident was on 9 July 2026. During an argument he put his hands around my throat and pushed me against the bedroom door. For a few seconds I could not breathe. The following day there were marks on my neck, which I photographed.
…
9. I ask the court to make the order without notice. If the Respondent learns of this application first, I believe he will come to my home and pressure me to drop it, as he did in January 2025 after I spoke to the police.
This example is fictional. Your own statement must describe your own experiences, in your own words.
Attaching evidence (exhibits)
If you include evidence, give each item a label (for example "SP1 – screenshots of messages, July–October 2026") and refer to that label in your statement. For an urgent application you don't have to attach anything – you can describe the evidence and provide it later if asked.
Let us draft your court papers – free
Tell us what has been happening, in your own words. We write up your FL401 application and supporting statement at no cost, then explain how to sign them and get them to the Family Court. The court charges nothing either.