DOMESTIC ABUSE PROTECTION ORDER (DAPO)

A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a new type of protective court order currently being piloted in selected areas of England and Wales. It is designed to offer robust and flexible protection to individuals experiencing domestic abuse. 

A DAPO can prohibit the abuser from engaging in a range of harmful behaviours for a specified period, including contacting or approaching the victim, harassment, intimidation, threats, and sharing content on social media that causes distress.

Significantly, DAPOs are the first protective orders available through both civil and criminal court proceedings, offering more streamlined access to safety measures regardless of how a case comes before the court.

 The introduction of DAPOs stems from the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at creating a society with zero tolerance for domestic abuse. 

The Act strengthens the legal framework for protecting victims and brings together a range of new measures to improve the response of public services and the justice system. 

DAPOs are one of the key innovations introduced under this Act, replacing older tools like Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) with a more effective, longer-term solution. 

The DAPO pilot launched on 27th November 2024 in the Greater Manchester area and the London boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton. 

Cleveland Police joined the pilot on 5th March 2025, with North Wales expected to follow in April/May 2025. 

The pilot is scheduled to run for two years, during which the effectiveness of DAPOs will be carefully evaluated with a view to national implementation.

While DAPOs and Non-Molestation Orders (NMOs) share similar aims namely, to protect victims from further harm there are some key differences:

• Both orders are granted by a judge if they are deemed necessary and proportionate to ensure the victim’s safety.
   
• Both can prohibit contact, intimidation, harassment, and threats.
   
• Both can be obtained without the abuser’s prior knowledge (on an emergency ex parte basis), though the respondent retains the right to contest the order in court.
   
• Breaching either order is a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.
   

However, DAPOs offer wider access:

• They can be applied for by the victim, the police, concerned third parties (such as family, friends, or support organisations), or even by the judge in an ongoing case.
   
• They do not require a history of abuse; a single incident may be sufficient.
   
• There are no restrictions regarding the length or seriousness of the relationship, or how soon after an incident the application must be made.

DAPOs can also include a range of enforcement measures tailored to each case:

• Electronic monitoring (tagging)
   
• Mandatory attendance at substance misuse or behavioural change programmes
   
• Requirements to report to a local police station within 3 days, providing personal details, fingerprints, and photographs
   
• Conditions similar to an Occupation Order, such as removing the abuser from the family home or enabling the victim to return
   

Failure to comply with any of these conditions constitutes a criminal offence.

At the Centre for Domestic Abuse (CDA), we are actively supporting the rollout of the DAPO pilot in the selected areas. Victims referred to us by the police, professionals, or self-referral are offered immediate, compassionate support. 

Every person’s situation is assessed individually, and all legal options are discussed, including the potential for applying for a DAPO where appropriate.

We understand that cost can be a barrier, which is why we are committed to ensuring access to justice:

• Legal Aid is available for DAPO applications, subject to financial eligibility and merits testing.
   
• Where Legal Aid is not available, CDA provides assistance on a pro bono basis, ensuring no one is left without the protection they need because of their financial situation.
   

Our team can help assist Victims with their options.