Your Safety Matters: A Guide to Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)

What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)?

A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a legal injunction designed to protect you from further harm by an abuser. It can provide various protections, such as banning contact or requiring the abuser to leave a shared home. 

Who can apply for a DAPO?

DAPOs are designed to people living with domestic abuse, which includes:

• Physical abuse
• Financial abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Psychological abuse 

The court grants an order based on evidence of abuse or risk of abuse. The court may also enforce electronic tagging and request that the perpetrator attend a behavioural programme. The abuser will have to provide the police with their name and address within three days of the order being made. If any changes occur, these must be reported within three days of the change. 

What happens if a DAPO is breached?

To breach a DAPO is a criminal offence. If a breach is reported, the police will investigate. The Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether the breach will be charged as a criminal offence. 

If an abuser breaches their electronic tag, the police will receive an alert and decide on what action to take. 

Remember: if you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

Where are DAPOs available?

From 27 November 2024, DAPOs have been piloted in certain areas in England and Wales. These are:

• London boroughs of Croydon, Sutton, and Bromley
• Greater Manchester
• Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees

The pilot areas were extended to North Wales in Spring 2025.

DAPOs are only available if the abuser lives in one of the pilot areas. It doesn’t matter where you live, only where the abuser resides. If their address is unknown, police will help determine whether or not you can apply for a DAPO. There are other protective orders you can apply for if you are not eligible for a DAPO.

If you don’t live in one of the pilot areas, you may have to travel to court hearings at the family or county court in that area. You can request a remote hearing via the court. These requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re unable to travel or you’re not eligible for a DAPO, you can apply for a non molestation order at your local family court. You can also ask the police for help; they can also apply for other protective orders on your behalf.

How to apply for a DAPO

• Report abuse to the police, and the police can apply on your behalf.
• Apply in the family court on your own behalf by completing a DA1 form.
• If you and the abuser are currently in a family court case, you can apply to that court using the DA1 form. 
• If you’re involved in civil court, you can apply in a county court
• If there is a criminal case against the abuser for another offence that has affected you, the court can make a DAPO for you regardless of whether they have been convicted or acquitted of the offence.
• A third party (e.g., a social worker, family member, or friend) can apply on your behalf. They must complete a DA1 and DA2 form and apply through a family court piloting DAPOs.

If you need support with the application process, we’re here to help.

The Domestic Abuse Alliance offers free, expert support to guide you through every step of the process – from understanding your legal rights to helping prepare and submit your application. Our trained call handlers can talk you through your options, and if needed, we can connect you with a solicitor from our Legal Partner Network who specialises in domestic abuse cases. You may also be eligible for legal aid or pro bono representation. Contact us at weprotect@domestic-abuse.co.uk, call our free helpline: 0800 101 7110, or visit domestic-abuse.co.uk, to access our secure online referral form.

How much does a DAPO cost?

There are no court fees for domestic abuse victims applying for a DAPO. Legal aid can help cover the costs of legal advice and representation and is available to victims applying for a DAPO. This will be subject to means and merits tests. 

How long does a DAPO last?

There is no minimum or maximum time scale for a DAPO. The court considers how long the order needs to last to protect the victim and will disclose the length of the order when it comes to making a DAPO. 

If the DAPO is coming to an end and you feel unsafe, call the police or a domestic abuse support service.  You or the police can apply to alter the order to make it last for longer. If it’s already ended, either you or the police can apply for a new one. 

Where can I find out more information about DAPOs?

For more information about Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), visit the official GOV.UK guidance.

If you need support to apply for a DAPO or other protective order, we’re here to help you. Please contact us today.