Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders: New National Rollout from 25 November 2026

New measures designed to strengthen protection for victims and survivors of domestic abuse are set to be introduced across England and Wales from 25 November 2026.

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), introduced under Part 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, will become available nationally, following a pilot scheme which has been operating in selected areas since November 2024.

This marks an important development in the way domestic abuse is addressed and how victims can be protected from further harm. The new arrangements are intended to provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach, giving the police and courts greater powers to impose protective measures and restrictions on perpetrators.

What are Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs)?

A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) is an immediate protective measure which can be issued by the police where there are reasonable grounds to believe that someone has been abusive towards a person to whom they are personally connected.

A DAPN is intended to provide immediate protection while longer-term protective measures are considered.

It can impose restrictions on the alleged perpetrator, including:

• Prohibiting contact with the victim.
• Preventing the perpetrator from coming within a specified distance of the victim’s home, workplace or other relevant locations.
• Requiring the perpetrator to leave premises where necessary.

A DAPN must be authorised by a senior police officer of at least the rank of Inspector.

Following the issue of a DAPN, an application for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order must be heard by the Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours (excluding Sundays and bank holidays). The notice remains in force until the application has been determined or withdrawn.

This is intended to provide an immediate safeguard without leaving the victim unprotected while the court considers the longer-term position.

What are Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs)?

A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a longer-term protective measure which can be made by the courts.

One of the most significant features of a DAPO is its flexibility. Unlike some existing protective orders, a DAPO can be tailored to the individual circumstances of the case and the particular risks faced by the victim.

The court can impose a combination of prohibitions and positive requirements, including:

• No-contact provisions: preventing the perpetrator from contacting the victim, directly or indirectly.
• Exclusion zones: preventing the perpetrator from entering specified areas, such as the victim’s home, workplace or children’s school.
• Exclusion from a property: requiring the perpetrator to leave a particular premises.
• Electronic monitoring: including electronic tagging to monitor compliance with restrictions, where appropriate.
• Behavioural requirements: requiring the perpetrator to attend an approved behaviour-change programme.
• Other rehabilitative requirements: including participation in substance misuse or mental health programmes where appropriate.

Importantly, a DAPO has no prescribed minimum or maximum duration. The court can determine how long the order should remain in place, depending on the circumstances and the level of protection required.  This provides the opportunity for protection to continue for as long as necessary.

Who can apply for a DAPO?

Another important development is that DAPOs will be available across different court jurisdictions.

Applications can be made through:

• The police: who can apply to the Magistrates’ Court.
• Victims and third parties: including local authorities and domestic abuse support organisations, who can apply to the Family Court.
• Existing court proceedings: where relevant proceedings are already taking place, an application may be made within those proceedings. Courts may also make a DAPO of their own initiative in appropriate circumstances.

This cross-jurisdictional approach is particularly important because it means that protection is not restricted to cases where criminal proceedings have been brought.  A victim should not necessarily have to wait for a criminal prosecution before protective measures can be considered.

What types of domestic abuse are covered?

The new orders are intended to provide protection against all forms of domestic abuse recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This is not limited to physical violence.

Domestic abuse can include:

• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Threatening or violent behaviour.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour.
• Economic abuse.
• Psychological or emotional abuse.

The legislation also recognises that children who see, hear or experience the effects of domestic abuse can themselves be victims.  The wider scope of DAPOs is therefore an important development, particularly in cases involving controlling behaviour, financial abuse and psychological abuse, where the harm may not always be immediately apparent.

What happens if a DAPO is breached?

A particularly important feature of the new arrangements is that breaching a Domestic Abuse Protection Order is a criminal offence.

• Where a person fails to comply with any requirement imposed by a DAPO, they may face criminal prosecution.
• The maximum penalty is up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• The police will have powers to arrest someone suspected of breaching an order, and the breach can be dealt with through the criminal justice system.

This is intended to provide meaningful enforcement and ensure that the restrictions imposed by the court are taken seriously.

How long will a DAPO last, and what about electronic monitoring?

• Unlike some existing protective orders, DAPOs do not have a fixed maximum duration. The court can determine the appropriate period, taking account of the circumstances and the protection required.
• Electronic monitoring may also be imposed where appropriate to help monitor compliance with the order. For example, electronic tagging may be used to monitor whether a perpetrator is complying with an exclusion zone.
• There are also mandatory notification requirements. A person subject to a DAPO must notify the police of their name (including any aliases) and home address within three days of the order being made, and must notify the police of any subsequent changes.

These provisions are intended to assist the police in monitoring those subject to orders and managing ongoing risks.

What will happen to the existing Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders?

The introduction of DAPNs and DAPOs is intended to replace the existing Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs).

However, the transition is an important consideration.

The existing DVPN/DVPO arrangements have remained available during the pilot period, and the Government has linked their eventual repeal to the national rollout of the new regime to avoid any gaps in protection.The intention is to move towards a more comprehensive and consistent system, bringing together protective measures within a single framework.

Other existing protective orders, including Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, Restraining Orders and Stalking Protection Orders, will remain available. DAPOs are not intended to remove the need for these other forms of protection.

What does the national rollout mean for victims and families?

The national introduction of DAPNs and DAPOs from 25 November 2026 is a significant step forward in the development of domestic abuse protection.  In particular, the ability to impose tailored restrictions, require attendance on behaviour-change programmes and use electronic monitoring may provide additional options for addressing the risks faced by victims.

The fact that applications can be made through different court jurisdictions should also help ensure that protective measures can be considered in a wider range of circumstances, including cases where there is no ongoing criminal prosecution. However, the effectiveness of the new arrangements will depend on how they are implemented in practice, including the response of the police, the courts and the agencies responsible for supporting victims and monitoring compliance. It is also important to remember that protective orders are only one part of the wider response to domestic abuse. They do not replace the need for appropriate police investigations, criminal proceedings where justified, effective safeguarding and specialist support for victims and children.

How can Field Overell LLP help?

At Field Overell LLP, we understand the significant impact domestic abuse can have on individuals and families.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of yourself or your children, it is important to obtain appropriate advice and support.  There may be a number of legal options available depending on your circumstances, including Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders and, as the new arrangements are introduced, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.

Our Family Law team can provide advice and guidance on the options available and help you understand what steps may be taken to protect you and your family.

If you need advice in relation to domestic abuse or family law matters, please contact our Family Law team on 01926 422 101 or email sv@fieldoverell.com or kg@fieldoverell.com.

We are here to help.