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A Domestic Abuse Protective Order (DAPO) is currently being piloted in certain areas of England and Wales. It is a protective order for those experiencing domestic abuse. It prohibits the abuser from doing certain things for a period of time such as communicating with and contacting the victim, harassing, threatening and approaching them, posting things on social media, etc. DAPO’s are the first protective orders that are available through both Civil and Criminal Court proceedings.
The Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 was put in place by government to move towards a society that has zero tolerance towards domestic abuse and provide those experiencing it with the support and service they deserve. There have been many laws and changes made since the act was passed, of which DAPO’s are one.
The pilot started 27th November 2024 and is running in Greater Manchester and three London Boroughs of Croydon, Bromley and Sutton. The pilot is expected to last two years during which other police force areas will join. So far, we are aware that forces covering Cleveland and North Wales will join the pilot in 2025.
Yes, in some ways they are similar. They are both obtained by a judge who will grant the order if they find it to be proportionate and necessary to protect that person and keep the abuser away. Also, the terms are similar – not to contact, approach, intimidate, threaten or harass, etc. The period the orders last are also similar, the average time being one year. There are no court costs and it can be obtained with or without the abuser’s knowledge (but they will have the right to contest). If the order is breached, it is a criminal offence which can lead to a custodial sentence of up to five years or a fine.
The differences, are a DAPO can be put in place by the Police, British Transport Police, the victim/survivor themselves, a third party (organisations or concerned family and friends) and by the judge themselves if they believe it is required during a current court case.
There are less restrictions in obtaining a DAPO than for a non-molestation order. For example, a DAPO can be obtained if it is the first abusive incident. There is no ‘significant duration’ for the length of the intimate relationship and no limited time frame to apply for the order after the incident.
Extra enforcements can be put in place if required, such as:
Within 3 days of the DAPO being issued the abuser must report to the local police station and provide their name and address. The police may also take fingerprints and photographs. Failure to comply will be an automatic breach of the DAPO. The DAPO can also include provisions found in an occupation order such as excluding the abuser from the family home and /or allowing the victim back into it.
We are following the pilot closely with a view to helping people obtain a DAPO in the pilot areas if this is the safest and best option for their circumstances. Any person referred to us by the police or another professional will have all their options discussed with them and the DAPO will become one of the options available to them.
This information will be updated throughout 2025 and beyond to inform victims and professionals about the progression of the pilot and the roll-out of the DAPO.
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