The UK faces stark realities of domestic abuse, with 2.2 million people affected during the year ending June 2024. These numbers highlight domestic abuse as the leading form of violence against women and girls across the nation. The government’s response comes, in part, through two the introduction of two powerful protective tools: the Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and the Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO).
Four key areas lead the initial pilot of these orders from 27 November 2024: Greater Manchester, Croydon, Sutton, and Bromley. Police officers now hold the authority to issue DAPNs when evidence suggests domestic abuse against individuals aged 16 or above. The DAPO framework stands ready to process 55,000 cases annually, delivering vital protection through multiple court systems – criminal, civil, and family. Offenders face serious consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years for breaching these orders.
Our guide explains the practical workings of these protective measures, their regional implementation, and your pathways to essential support services. The information equips you with the knowledge to understand and access these crucial safeguards when needed.
WHAT IS A DAPN AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) puts immediate safety measures in place through police intervention. The notice creates a vital shield between the abuser and anyone aged 16 or over with whom they share a personal connection.
Senior police officers, ranked inspector or above, hold the authority to issue these notices when clear evidence points to domestic abuse. The protection spans the entire United Kingdom, safeguarding victims from multiple forms of harm – sexual abuse, violence, controlling behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological damage.
Key Features of A DAPN In 2025
DAPNs pack powerful protective elements:
- Complete contact restrictions with the protected person
- Clear distance boundaries from the victim’s home
- Powers for immediate arrest without warrant
- Formal documentation stating clear grounds for the issue
Police officers carefully weigh several factors before issuing a notice, including the safety of children under 18, input from the victim, and the alleged perpetrator’s response.
48-Hour Protection Period Explained
The protection timeline follows strict protocols. Police must apply for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) within 48 hours of issuing the DAPN. This window excludes Sundays and bank holidays.
The DAPN shields victims until either a court rules on the DAPO application or the notice gets withdrawn. Any breach during this period results in immediate arrest, with the perpetrator potentially held in custody until their DAPO hearing.
UNDERSTANDING DAPO POWERS AND PROTECTIONS
The Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) delivers robust, long-term safety measures introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Types of Abuse Covered
DAPOs shield victims from multiple forms of abuse:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological and emotional abuse
Duration and Enforcement
DAPOs offer remarkable flexibility in protection periods. Courts hold full authority to set appropriate durations and adjust requirements based on changing circumstances. The protection extends further through electronic monitoring options for up to 12 months.
Criminal Consequences of Breaching a DAPO
DAPO violations trigger immediate criminal proceedings. Offenders risk substantial penalties, including maximum sentences of five years in prison, hefty fines, or both. The same strict penalties apply when perpetrators fail to report address or personal details changes.
Police teams conduct thorough investigations into every reported breach. Close collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service ensures appropriate legal action. While classified as civil orders, DAPOs pack serious criminal consequences, proven by multiple custodial sentences already served.
Positive Requirements
Positive requirements in domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs) are conditions imposed on the person accused of abuse that aim to protect the victim, as well as promote their safety and well-being. These requirements are typically designed to prevent further harm to the victim while offering a way for the perpetrator to change their behaviour. Some common positive requirements may include:
Engagement in counselling programmes, substance misuse treatment, mental health treatment, electronic monitoring and reporting.
The aim of these positive requirements is not only to protect the victim but also to offer the perpetrator an opportunity to change, with supervision and support from relevant professionals.
GETTING HELP WITH DAPNS AND DAPOS
“Victims will not be required to pay a court fee when making an application for a DAPO. The pilot is hoped to identify the cost of the introduction of DAPOs to the police; during the trialling period the cost of court fees incurred by the police for applications for DAPOs will be covered to ensure that costs do not act as a deterrent.” — Tozers Solicitors, Law firm providing legal services
Quick, reliable support stands ready through multiple channels for anyone needing DAPN or DAPO protection.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Your safety comes first – dial 999 for immediate police response. Silent calls from mobile phones reach police support through the ’55’ press option. Round-the-clock confidential support awaits at the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247. The Domestic Abuse Alliance supports survivor-led DAPO applications, regardless of legal aid status, via its WEPROTECT referral service.
Legal Aid Options
Legal aid support extends to all parties in DAPO cases, subject to standard eligibility checks. Your financial assistance covers proceedings across the following:
- County and Family Courts
- Magistrates’ Courts
- High Courts
- Crown Court and Court of Appeal
Court fees disappear completely for victims seeking DAPOs. For cases already active in family or county courts, see legal advisers managing aid applications directly. Support groups and housing officers now provide vital evidence for legal aid without time restrictions on abuse documentation.
PILOT AREAS AND IMPLEMENTATION
Since 27 November 2024, select regions have led the way with DAPN and DAPO programmes.
Greater Manchester and London Boroughs Coverage
Greater Manchester Police force area stands alongside three London boroughs – Croydon, Sutton, and Bromley – at the forefront of this initiative. British Transport Police powers stretch across their whole network, encompassing rail services, London underground, and docklands throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
The programme grows stronger as North Wales Police and Cleveland Police prepare to join the pilot in early 2025. Expert evaluation teams will monitor results over twelve months, building solid evidence for nationwide implementation.
What Happens Outside Pilot Areas?
Protection reaches beyond pilot boundaries. While perpetrators must reside in pilot areas for DAPN and DAPO applications, victims receive complete protection regardless of location. Court proceedings adapt to your needs – remote hearing options save unnecessary travel, with judges reviewing each request carefully.
Robust protection options exist outside pilot regions:
- Non-Molestation Orders through local family courts
- Established police protection measures in your area
The pilot is a testing ground, measuring real-world effectiveness and impact across different communities. These valuable insights will guide future protection strategies across England and Wales.
CONCLUSION
DAPNs and DAPOs herald robust new safeguards for domestic abuse survivors across the UK. These tools deliver vital protection – DAPNs step in with immediate safety measures, while DAPOs build lasting security against all forms of abuse.
Your safety matters. Police teams across Greater Manchester, Croydon, Sutton, and Bromley stand ready with these protective powers. North Wales and Cleveland are preparing to join the mission early this year, strengthening the support network further.
Essential points to remember:
- Swift 48-hour protection through DAPNs
- Flexible, unlimited protection periods with DAPOs
- Zero-cost legal support for eligible cases
- Strong penalties deter order breaches
- Round-the-clock support channels
These pilot programmes pave the way for nationwide protection, offering hope to thousands of survivors each year. Your safety cannot wait – reach for help through emergency services or connect with domestic abuse organisations for trusted, confidential support.
