Domestic Abuse Protection Orders: A Simple Guide to the New Changes
Domestic abuse is common and can affect anyone. In England and Wales, the Office for National Statistics estimates that 3.8 million people aged 16 and over—7.8% of adults—experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025. This included an estimated 2.2 million women (9.1%) and 1.5 million men (6.5%).
This article explains the new Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) system in straightforward terms: what the orders are, how they may help, and how to seek protection.
What are DAPNs and DAPOs?
A DAPN is an emergency notice issued by the police. It can require the person accused of abuse to leave a home, stay away from someone, or stop contact for a short time.
A DAPO is a court order that can last longer. It can ban contact, keep someone away from a home or area, or include other conditions needed to protect a person at risk. Breaking a DAPO is a criminal offence.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises that domestic abuse is not only physical violence. It can include controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, threats and economic abuse. DAPNs and DAPOs are intended to make protection more joined-up across criminal, family and civil courts.
Will the national rollout make it easier for victims to seek protection?
From 25 November 2026, DAPOs will be available across England and Wales.
This should mean that access to the new protections no longer depends on where a person lives.
Who can apply for a DAPO?
The person who needs protection can apply directly to the family court, normally using form DA1. The police can also apply: where they issue a DAPN, they must apply to the magistrates’ court for a DAPO. In addition, a person or organisation specified in regulations may apply, and any other person—for example, a family member, friend or support worker—may apply if the court gives permission. A court can also make a DAPO during certain existing family, civil or criminal proceedings. There is no court fee for a DAPO application.
When can the court make a DAPO?
The court can make a DAPO if it is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the respondent has been abusive towards a personally connected person aged 16 or over. It must also consider the order necessary and proportionate to protect that person from domestic abuse or the risk of further abuse. A DAPO cannot be made against a person under 18.
What does “personally connected” mean?
For a DAPO, the people involved must be personally connected. This includes people who are or have been married, civil partners, engaged, in a civil-partnership agreement or in an intimate relationship. It also includes people who are parents of, or have parental responsibility for, the same child, and relatives. The relationship can be current or former.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Only seek help when it is safe to do so.
