Our friends at Domestic Abuse Education have produced an essential guide on the introduction of two new powerful protective tools: the Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and the Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO). The guide explains the practical workings of these protective measures, their regional implementation, and the pathways to the local services that can support victim-survivors to apply for these new orders.
The DA Alliance is supporting victim-survivor led applications for DAPOs in Greater Manchester and parts of London, where they are currently being piloted.
Here are the top five things to know about DAPOs:
- Purpose: Domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs) are legal injunctions designed to protect individuals from further harm by an abuser. They can provide various protections, such as banning contact or requiring the abuser to leave a shared home.
- Eligibility: DAPOs are available to individuals who have been victims of domestic abuse. This includes not only physical violence but also emotional, psychological, or financial abuse.
- Court Process: The process typically involves applying to a court, either in person or through legal representation. In urgent cases, emergency orders may be granted more quickly.
- No Criminal Conviction Needed: Civil orders do not require the abuser to have been convicted of a crime. The court grants them based on the victim’s evidence of abuse or risk.
- Breach of Order: Breach of a DAPO is a criminal offence.
“I’m glad to hear that an order was granted and I’m very happy I got your help. I’d like to thank your team for everything. I hope many more people get your help too”. Domestic Abuse Survivor, Greater Manchester
For further information about DAPOs see the Government’s Factsheet.
