Domestic Abuse Protection Orders: what are DAPOs and who can apply?
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, known as DAPOs, are protective orders currently being piloted in selected areas of England and Wales.
They are designed to provide flexible protection for people experiencing domestic abuse, including abuse that is not physical. A DAPO can place restrictions on the person who has been abusive and, where appropriate, impose positive requirements requiring them to take specific steps.
The pilot began on 27 November 2024 and is currently being evaluated before any wider national rollout is confirmed.
What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Order?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a court order designed to protect someone from domestic abuse or the risk of domestic abuse. It can prohibit the respondent from doing certain things, such as contacting the victim, going to their home or workplace, or coming within a specified distance of them.
A DAPO can also include positive requirements. These might include attending a behaviour change programme, drug or alcohol treatment, or another intervention if the court considers that appropriate. This flexibility is one of the main reasons DAPOs are being piloted. Domestic abuse can include coercive control, intimidation, harassment, financial abuse, emotional abuse and other patterns of behaviour, not only physical violence.
What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice, known as a DAPN, is different from a DAPO.
A DAPN can be issued by the police to provide immediate short-term protection following an incident of domestic abuse. If the police issue a DAPN, they must then apply to the court for a DAPO. The DAPO is the longer-term protective order made by the court.
Where are DAPOs currently available?
As at August 2026, DAPOs are not yet available nationally. They are being piloted in selected areas.
The pilot areas include:
Bromley, Croydon and Sutton;
Greater Manchester;
Cleveland, including Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Stockton-on-Tees;
North Wales, including the Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham; and
Applications involving the British Transport Police.
DAPOs in Bromley
Bromley is one of the London boroughs included in the DAPO pilot, alongside Croydon and Sutton. This means that DAPOs may be available in relevant Bromley cases where the pilot criteria are met. Importantly, eligibility during the pilot is based on where the person accused of abusive behaviour lives, not where the victim lives.
A victim does not have to live in Bromley, Croydon, Sutton or another pilot area to seek protection under the scheme. The key question is whether the person they need protection from lives in one of the pilot areas. If the person accused of abusive behaviour does not live in a pilot area, other protective options may still be available, including a non-molestation order or occupation order.
How long is the DAPO pilot running?
The DAPO pilot began on 27 November 2024 and was initially introduced for one year. The evaluation period is now expected to run until November 2026. After that, a final report will be submitted to the Home Office. The evaluation is intended to help inform how DAPOs should be implemented more widely across England and Wales.
As at August 2026, DAPOs remain part of the pilot scheme. They have not yet been rolled out nationally.
How long can a DAPO last?
There is no fixed standard length for every DAPO. The court will decide how long the order should last based on what is necessary and proportionate to protect the victim from domestic abuse or the risk of domestic abuse. The duration should be specified in the order. This means the order can be shaped around the level of risk and the protection needed.
Who can apply for a DAPO?
A DAPO may be applied for in different ways.
The police can apply after issuing a DAPN. A victim may also be able to apply directly to the family court. In some circumstances, a third party can apply with the permission of the court, and a court may also make a DAPO during other proceedings.
Because the pilot rules are specific, it is important to check whether a DAPO is available and whether it is the right protective route.
How are DAPOs different from non-molestation orders?
Non-molestation orders remain an important form of protection under the Family Law Act 1996. They can prohibit a person from using or threatening violence, harassing, intimidating or contacting the applicant.
DAPOs are intended to provide a broader and more flexible protective framework. In particular, they can include both prohibitions and positive requirements. That does not mean a DAPO will always be the right order. In some cases, a non-molestation order or occupation order may still be more appropriate. The best option will depend on the urgency, the evidence, the type of protection needed and whether the case falls within the DAPO pilot.
What happens if a DAPO is breached?
Breach of a DAPO is a criminal offence. This means that if a person fails to comply with the terms of a DAPO, there may be criminal consequences.
The terms of the order therefore need to be clear, workable and properly understood by both parties. If an order is made, it is important to understand exactly what it requires and what steps should be taken if it is breached.
Why early advice matters
Domestic abuse cases can involve urgent risk, complex family dynamics and difficult decisions about the right protective steps. Early advice can help identify whether a DAPO may be available, whether another protective order may be more appropriate and what evidence will be needed.It can also help where there are related issues involving children, housing, occupation of the family home, divorce or financial arrangements.
Protective orders can have serious consequences for both parties. They need to be carefully considered, properly prepared and clearly framed.
How Jones Nickolds can help
At Jones Nickolds, we advise on domestic abuse, protective injunctions, child arrangements, occupation of the family home and urgent family law applications.
As Bromley is one of the DAPO pilot boroughs, we can advise on whether a DAPO may be available in relevant local cases, as well as whether another protective order may be more appropriate.
If you are considering applying for protection, or if you have been served with an application and need advice on responding, our family law solicitors can help you understand your options and the practical steps involved.
To arrange an initial call with Jones Nickolds, please contact us on 0203 405 2300 or email contact@jonesnickolds.co.uk.