Domestic Violence Protection Notices & Domestic Violence Protection Orders
At Eventum Legal, we specialise in defending individuals who have been served with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice or are facing an application for a Domestic Violence Protection Order. These notices and orders are often issued in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident, usually by a police officer who believes emergency protection is necessary.
Being served with a DVPN or appearing before the magistrate's court in a DVPO hearing can feel overwhelming, particularly if the allegations are unclear or you believe the accusations are false or unfair.
Our expert lawyers act quickly to defend clients across the UK. We understand how
emotionally and practically disruptive these civil proceedings can be. We provide legal support grounded in experience, compassion, and clarity, giving you the best chance to protect your rights and challenge the order.
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Understanding the Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) and DVPO Process
A Domestic Violence Protection Notice, commonly referred to as a DVPN, is issued by a senior police officer following a domestic violence incident. It is part of the emergency protection framework under the Crime and Security Act 2010. A DVPN is designed to provide immediate and short-term protection to a person believed to be at risk of violence or abuse. The alleged victim is legally referred to as an associated person, including a spouse, civil partner, a civil partnership agreement, or a person in an intimate personal relationship with the accused. The DVPN is issued when a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the accused has used or threatened violence against an associated person and that further violence is likely. These notices are designed to protect victims during periods when there may not yet be sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges but where the police still feel some form of urgent intervention is needed. Once a DVPN is issued, police forces have 48 hours to bring the matter before the magistrate's court, where they will apply for a Domestic Violence Protection Order. This application will ask the court to impose enforceable restrictions on the accused for up to 28 days. These conditions may include exclusion from a home, a ban on contacting the associated person, or other enforceable restrictions to prevent further risk.
Breach of a DVPO
Failing to adhere to a DVPO could lead to you being remanded into custody. It is not an offence in itself to breach the order but it can be seen as contempt of court, and the action committed leading to the breach could constitute a criminal offence.
With EventumLegal, you gain more than just legal representation; you gain a partner who is committed to protecting your rights, your reputation and your future.
3 Step Process to Receiving a DVPO
Step 1
Domestic violence incident is alleged
The first step which initiates the imposing of a DVPO is a complaint made to the police or another agency.
The police will consult with the Superintendent at an early stage to determine whether to impose a DVPN.
Step 2
DVPN is issued
Where is is decided that it is proportionate and necessary to protect the complainant from violence or threats of violence a DVPN will be issued in person to the accused by a police officer.
The notice will explain the necessity, the restrictions in place and the process of a court making a DVPO within 48 hours.
Step 3
Application made for DVPO
Application must be made by complaint by a Constable (constable being a police constable, solicitor employed by the police, by a barrister/legal advisor instructed by police or by ‘another person authorised to make the complaint’) to the magistrate’s court and not later than 48 hours after the DVPN was served. The application will either be granted or refused.
DVPO Hearings in The Magistrates Court
The magistrate's court must be satisfied that the accused has either used or threatened violence towards the associated person and that the order is necessary to protect that individual from further harm. These decisions are made during civil proceedings, and unlike criminal prosecutions, they do not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. That means the threshold for imposing a DVPO is lower, and in many cases, the person subject to the order feels they have not had a fair opportunity to respond.
Eventum Legal can represent you at your DVPO hearing, challenging the police application and ensuring your story is heard. We carefully examine the initial notice and all supporting evidence to ensure it meets the legal standard. We also consider whether the police conducted a proper risk assessment and consulted the relevant agencies or a support agency before applying the notice.
Impact Of A Domestic Violence Protection Order
Domestic Violence Protection Orders can last up to 28 days and impose severe conditions. These include being barred from your home, prevented from contacting your partner or children, and excluded from a defined area. Even though the order is made in civil proceedings, breaching a DVPO is criminal. A breach can result in arrest, detention, and even prosecution in the criminal justice system.
It is essential to understand that although a DVPO is not a criminal conviction, it may still carry significant consequences. These consequences can include implications for ongoing family law matters, particularly where parental responsibility or child contact is under discussion. Courts and other relevant agencies may view a DVPO as a risk factor, even if the underlying allegations were never proved or were later withdrawn.
The Need for Legal Support And Urgency
You must act quickly if served with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice. The notice is effective immediately, and the court hearing for the DVPO application can take place within two working days.
Without expert legal advice, many people are left without the opportunity to contest the allegations or explain the circumstances of the incident.
Eventum Legal offers fast, effective support in domestic abuse cases. We ensure that every client understands the legal process, what is at stake, and how best to respond.
We will assess whether the police officer had reasonable grounds for issuing the notice, whether there was sufficient evidence of violence or threatened violence, and whether less restrictive alternatives were considered.
Challenging False Or Exaggerated Allegations
Unfortunately, we regularly encounter cases where the DVPN and DVPO process is used unfairly. Sometimes, the allegations are made in the context of a relationship breakdown, during a dispute about children or property, or as a reaction to an emotionally charged event.
In other cases, there may be no history of domestic violence at all, but a single disagreement leads to a DVPN being issued based on perceived risk.
Our lawyers will work with you to prepare a strong response. We gather evidence to show that the police did not have sufficient grounds, that the allegations are disputed or unsubstantiated, or that the proposed restrictions would cause disproportionate harm to you and your family.
Where relevant, we highlight your role in the household, your need for housing access, employment, and parental responsibilities.
The Broader Impact Of A DVPO On Your Life
A Domestic Violence Protection Order can affect more than just your housing or contact with a partner. It can influence ongoing or future family court decisions, especially considering child arrangements. It can also affect your reputation, work in regulated sectors, and relationships with other services or agencies.
While these orders protect victims, they must also be applied fairly and proportionately. A DVPO should not be imposed simply because no other legal route is available, or the police are pressured to take immediate action.
At Eventum Legal, we ensure that your rights are not sidelined.
We Defend People – Not Labels
Being accused of domestic violence is one of the most damaging things a person can face. But accusations are not facts. A notice is not proof. We understand that the legal system can feel heavily weighted against you in these situations, and we are here to help redress that balance.
At Eventum Legal, we do not rush to judgment. We take the time to understand your circumstances, the history of the relationship, and the broader context surrounding the incident. We approach each case with care, professionalism, and determination, recognising that your future, home, and family life may all be affected.
Speak To Eventum Legal If You Have Had A DVPO Taken Out Against You
If you have been issued with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice or are facing a Domestic Violence Protection Order hearing, contact Eventum Legal as soon as possible.
We are experts in domestic abuse cases and regularly represent clients in magistrates court proceedings across the UK. Whether you need urgent advice, representation in court, or support responding to allegations, we are here to protect you, guide you, and fight for your rights.
Call us today to arrange a confidential consultation. The earlier we are involved, the more we can do to help. DVPOs and DVPNs are to provide emergency protection to those in abusive relationships.
Still, we are here to help offer support services to those who do not deserve to be charged with a DVPN or a DVPO, so give us a call today!
