Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and Notices

Domestic Abuse Protection Order Solicitors

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) can provide important protection for people experiencing domestic abuse or living with the fear of further harm. If you are unsure about your options, our expert domestic abuse solicitors at गुडमैन रे सॉलिसिटर्स offer sensitive, compassionate advice and practical support to help you and your family feel safer and more secure.

What are Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders?

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are legal protections designed to protect victims from domestic abuse and the risk of further abuse.

Introduced under the घरेलू हिंसा अधिनियम 2021, DAPNs can provide immediate protection following police intervention, while DAPOs can provide longer-term protection through restrictions and requirements imposed on the person responsible for the abuse.

DAPNs and DAPOs are currently being piloted in selected areas of England and Wales. They are intended to provide protection from different forms of domestic abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, controlling or coercive abuse.

What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN)?

A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) is a notice issued by the police where they believe there are reasonable grounds to consider that a person has been abusive towards another person and that protection is necessary.

The person receiving the notice must be aged 18 or over and the victim must be aged 16 or over. They must also be personally connected, for example as spouses, former partners or family members.

A DAPN can contain conditions designed to protect the victim immediately. This could include requiring the person responsible for the abuse to stay away from the victim’s home.

A DAPN is legally binding. If its conditions are breached, the person responsible for the abuse can be arrested and brought before a magistrates’ court.

Where a DAPN is issued, the police will also apply for a DAPO. The application will usually be heard by the magistrates’ court within 48 hours.

घरेलू हिंसा क्या है?

घरेलू हिंसा एक व्यापक और गहराई से हानिकारक समस्या है जो सभी लिंगों, पृष्ठभूमियों और समुदायों के व्यक्तियों को प्रभावित करती है। घरेलू हिंसा में उन विविध प्रकार के व्यवहारों का समावेश होता है जिनका उद्देश्य किसी व्यक्ति को नियंत्रित करना, नुकसान पहुँचाना और अपमानित करना होता है।.

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What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)?

A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a court order designed to protect a victim from domestic abuse or the risk of domestic abuse.

Unlike some existing protective orders, a DAPO can address all forms of domestic abuse, including non-physical abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour.

A DAPO can be made during criminal, family or civil proceedings. An application can also be made by the police, by the victim themselves or, with the court’s permission, by a third party such as a family member, friend or social worker.

What are the restriction and requirements of a DAPO?

A DAPO can contain a range of restrictions and requirements depending on the circumstances of the case.

The court can impose prohibitions preventing the person responsible for the abuse from doing certain things. This could include preventing them from approaching the victim’s home, workplace or other specified premises.

A DAPO will also include mandatory notification requirements. The person subject to the order must provide the police with their name and address and notify the police of any changes.

Depending on the circumstances, the court can also impose:

• Electronic monitoring requirements, sometimes referred to as tagging.
• Requirements to attend a behaviour change programme.
• Restrictions on where the person can go or who they can contact.
• Other requirements considered necessary to protect the victim from domestic abuse or the risk of domestic abuse.

The court has significant flexibility when determining the appropriate protections and requirements in an individual case.

How long does a Domestic Abuse Protection Order last?

There is no minimum or maximum duration for a DAPO. The court will consider the circumstances of the case and determine how long the order needs to remain in place to protect the victim from domestic abuse or the risk of further abuse. This means that the duration of a DAPO can be tailored to the circumstances and level of risk involved.

How can I apply for a DAPO?

There are several ways in which a DAPO can be applied for. You can report domestic abuse to the police and ask them to consider issuing a DAPN or applying for a DAPO on your behalf.

In some circumstances, you can also apply for a DAPO yourself through the family court using the relevant DA1 application form. If you are already involved in family or civil proceedings, an application may be made within those proceedings.

A DAPO may also be made by a court during criminal proceedings. In certain circumstances, a third party, such as a family member, friend or social worker, can apply on behalf of a victim with the court’s permission.

Where are DAPNs and DAPOs available?

DAPNs and DAPOs are currently being piloted in selected areas rather than being available nationally.

The current pilot areas include:

• Croydon, Sutton and Bromley in London
• Greater Manchester
• Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees
• North Wales
• British Transport Police

Importantly, eligibility is generally determined by where the person responsible for the abuse lives rather than where the victim lives.

If you live outside one of the pilot areas, other forms of legal protection may be available, including a Non-Molestation Order. Specialist legal advice can help you identify the most appropriate protection for your circumstances.

हमारा दृष्टिकोण

गुडमैन रे सॉलिसिटर्स have a specialist and dedicated team dealing specifically with domestic abuse. Our solicitors have extensive experience helping individuals and families affected by domestic abuse and understand the sensitive and often urgent nature of these cases.

We provide clear, practical advice about the legal protections available and can help you understand whether a DAPN or DAPO may be appropriate in your circumstances.

Where a DAPO application is being considered, we can advise you on the application process, the evidence required and the protections that may be appropriate for you and your family.

Get in touch with our Domestic Abuse Solicitors

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned about the risk of further abuse, Goodman Ray Solicitors can provide the specialist legal advice and representation you need.

We understand how difficult it can be to take legal action against someone you are, or have been, personally connected to. Our experienced domestic abuse solicitors can advise you about DAPNs, DAPOs and other forms of protection and help you take appropriate steps to protect yourself and your family.

Contact Goodman Ray Solicitors on 020 7608 1227 or email us at mail@goodmanray.com for help understanding your legal options and securing the protection you need.

Domestic Abuse Protection Notice and Order FAQs