Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders are currently being piloted in certain areas, with police forces trialling the new government measures in cases where domestic abuse is alleged, or suspected.

DAPNs and DAPOs are aimed to replace Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Orders (DVPO), making applications more available and providing greater protective measures to those subjected to domestic abuse. 

The difference with a DAPO compared with a DVPO is:

• They can be put in force for a longer period of time, or even until the court grant a further order to discharge it.
• Applications will be able to be made by third parties, other than the police
• They will be open to the family courts and civil courts, not just the Magistrates Court
• Positive obligations can be placed on the accused such as; attending an alcohol treatment programme, or s building positive relationships programme.

With this scheme being new and in its pilot phase, it is important to obtain specialist advice from lawyers who have a sound awareness of the laws surrounding the scheme.