What is a civil harassment injunction and who can use it?

A civil harassment injunction is a court order under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 designed to stop a specific course of conduct. It is available to victims of non-domestic harassment, such as that from neighbours, ex-employers, strangers, or online. If the harassment involves domestic abuse, you should instead consider the family law injunction route, which is a separate legal process.

What evidence do I need to prove harassment?

The law requires evidence of a 'course of conduct', which means at least two separate incidents. You should keep a detailed diary of events, save screenshots of online messages, and gather witness statements. If the police have been involved, include any reports they produced. This documentation is essential to prove the pattern of behaviour to the court.

Why should I send a cease and desist letter before going to court?

Sending a cease and desist letter is a recommended step before issuing a claim. It formally puts the perpetrator on notice of their behaviour. This action helps strengthen the 'knowledge' element of the offence, demonstrating that the person was aware of the conduct and continued it anyway, which supports your case for an injunction.

Can I get an injunction immediately if I am in danger?

You can apply for an interim injunction to get immediate relief while your case is still being processed. If the situation is urgent, you can apply without giving notice to the other party. This temporary order helps protect you right away, before the court makes a final decision on the matter.

How long does the civil harassment injunction process take?

The process typically takes from a few weeks for an interim order up to six months for a final decision. A final injunction can be made perpetual or for a specific time limit. In addition to the order, the court may award damages for distress and order the other party to pay your legal costs.

All Legal Journeys

Civil Litigation

England & Wales

5 stages

Weeks (interim) to 6 months (final)

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Harassment injunction journey (civil)

Civil injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 to restrain a course of conduct.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Who Uses This Journey

Victims of non-domestic harassment (e.g. by neighbours, ex-employers, strangers, online) seeking civil remedies. For domestic abuse, see the family law injunction route.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Document the course of conduct

PHA 1997 requires a 'course of conduct' (≥2 incidents) — diary, screenshots, witness statements.

Evidence Needed

Incident log
Witnesses
Police reports if any

Cease and desist letter

Put the perpetrator on notice. Strengthens 'knowledge' element of the offence.

Issue civil claim

Section 3 PHA 1997 allows damages and an injunction in the County or High Court.

Interim injunction

Apply for immediate relief while the case proceeds — without-notice if urgent.

Final order

Final injunction can be perpetual or time-limited; damages for distress.

Possible Outcomes

Final injunction with power of arrest attached
Damages
Costs

Official Sources

Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Frequently asked questions

What is a civil harassment injunction and who can use it?: A civil harassment injunction is a court order under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 designed to stop a specific course of conduct. It is available to victims of non-domestic harassment, such as that from neighbours, ex-employers, strangers, or online. If the harassment involves domestic abuse, you should instead consider the family law injunction route, which is a separate legal process.
What evidence do I need to prove harassment?: The law requires evidence of a 'course of conduct', which means at least two separate incidents. You should keep a detailed diary of events, save screenshots of online messages, and gather witness statements. If the police have been involved, include any reports they produced. This documentation is essential to prove the pattern of behaviour to the court.
Why should I send a cease and desist letter before going to court?: Sending a cease and desist letter is a recommended step before issuing a claim. It formally puts the perpetrator on notice of their behaviour. This action helps strengthen the 'knowledge' element of the offence, demonstrating that the person was aware of the conduct and continued it anyway, which supports your case for an injunction.
Can I get an injunction immediately if I am in danger?: You can apply for an interim injunction to get immediate relief while your case is still being processed. If the situation is urgent, you can apply without giving notice to the other party. This temporary order helps protect you right away, before the court makes a final decision on the matter.
How long does the civil harassment injunction process take?: The process typically takes from a few weeks for an interim order up to six months for a final decision. A final injunction can be made perpetual or for a specific time limit. In addition to the order, the court may award damages for distress and order the other party to pay your legal costs.