In a significant step forward for victim safety, a new type of protection order introduced a year ago has been used to impose stringent restrictions on more than 1,000 domestic abusers across the UK.
A Powerful New Tool for Victims
According to exclusive Home Office statistics shared with Metro, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) have been actively deployed since their rollout last November. These orders grant the courts the power to place a wide range of limitations on perpetrators. Key measures include electronic tagging and compulsory attendance at behaviour change programmes.
Critically, breaching the conditions of a DAPO is a criminal offence that can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. The orders are designed to be more accessible, as applications are not limited to the police. Victims themselves, along with family members, friends, charities, social services, and local authorities, can all apply directly for an order.
Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Protection
In an op-ed for Metro, Jess Phillips, the Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), championed the orders. She described DAPOs as a tool that 'combines the strongest protections we have into one comprehensive instrument.'
Phillips stated, 'This is exactly the kind of bold, practical action that I’m proud to take as the Minister responsible for tackling VAWG.' A defining feature of DAPOs is that they do not have a fixed expiration date, allowing them to remain in force for as long as a victim requires protection.
Furthermore, the orders recognise the full spectrum of abuse, offering protection from non-physical forms such as coercive and controlling behaviour, not just physical violence.
Regional Rollout and Future Expansion
Currently, DAPOs are operational in a select number of pilot areas: Greater Manchester, North Wales, Cleveland in North Yorkshire, and the London boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton.
The data reveals a concentrated initial impact, with over half of all DAPOs secured in Greater Manchester, and roughly a quarter obtained by Cleveland Police. To prevent jurisdictional gaps, the British Transport Police also have the power to apply for these orders.
A nationwide rollout is planned, though the Home Office has not yet provided a specific timeline. Alex Davies-Jones, the Minister for Victims, emphasised the government's commitment: 'Over 1,000 DAPOs issued means over 1,000 victims protected from abuse. We will ensure the same for thousands more as part of our mission to halve the epidemic that is violence against women and girls in this country.'
The anniversary of the DAPOs also marks one year since Metro launched its 'This Is Not Right' campaign, a year-long initiative to address violence against women.
