From 25 November 2026, a new type of court order called a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) will be available across England and Wales. The Government intends for DAPOs to become the main protective order used in domestic abuse cases because they offer broader protection and greater flexibility than many existing orders.
What is a DAPO?
A DAPO is a court order designed to protect people from domestic abuse or the risk of domestic abuse. Unlike some older orders which focused mainly on physical violence, a DAPO can be used to address all forms of domestic abuse, including:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Financial or economic abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
Importantly, a person does not need to have been convicted of a criminal offence before a DAPO can be made. The court only needs to be satisfied that the order is necessary and proportionate to protect the victim.
Who can apply?
In family court proceedings, a victim can apply for a DAPO directly. In some circumstances, another person or organisation can apply on their behalf with the court’s permission. DAPOs may also be made during existing family proceedings, such as child arrangements cases.
The police can also apply for a DAPO and, in urgent situations, may issue a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) to provide immediate protection before a court hearing takes place.
What can a DAPO do?
The court can tailor a DAPO to the specific circumstances of a case. It can include restrictions preventing an abuser from:
- Contacting the victim by phone, email, text, social media or any other means
- Going near the victim’s home, workplace, school or other specified locations
- Using friends, relatives or children to pass messages
- Tracking or monitoring the victim’s movements
- Accessing the victim’s online accounts or devices
- Damaging property
- Interfering with finances or joint assets
- Publishing information, photographs or online content about the victim
The order can even require the perpetrator to leave a shared home, regardless of who owns or rents it.
Can the court require someone to do something positive?
Yes. One of the biggest differences between DAPOs and some older protective orders is that a DAPO can contain positive requirements. These are actions the perpetrator must take.
Examples may include:
- Returning keys to a property
- Removing harmful online content
- Attending assessments or intervention programmes (in certain circumstances)
- Taking specific steps necessary to reduce the risk of abuse
How long does a DAPO last?
Unlike some older domestic abuse protections, there is no minimum or maximum duration for a DAPO. The court can make an order for as long as it considers necessary to protect the victim. Different parts of the order can also have different time limits.
What happens if the order is breached?
Breaching a DAPO is a serious matter.
If someone deliberately breaks the terms of a DAPO without a reasonable excuse, they commit a criminal offence. The maximum penalty can be:
- Up to 5 years’ imprisonment
- A fine
- Or both
The police can investigate and take action regardless of which court originally made the order.
Do children benefit from DAPOs?
DAPOs can directly protect people aged 16 and over. Children under 16 cannot be named as protected persons under a DAPO. However, the court must consider the welfare of any relevant children when deciding whether to make an order.
In practice, children often benefit indirectly. For example, if an abuser is prohibited from going near the family home, children living there gain protection as well.
How are DAPOs different from Non-Molestation Orders?
Many people are familiar with Non-Molestation Orders (NMOs). These will continue to exist, but the Government expects DAPOs to become the preferred option in many cases.
Some key differences are:
- DAPOs use the wider legal definition of domestic abuse.
- DAPOs can include positive requirements.
- DAPOs can be made through family, civil and criminal courts.
- Third parties may be able to apply on behalf of victims.
- DAPOs automatically require the perpetrator to provide their name and address details to the police.
Legal aid
Legal aid may be available for both applicants and respondents, subject to the usual eligibility rules. This means that some people seeking protection, as well as some people responding to an application, may be able to obtain publicly funded legal representation.
Final thoughts
DAPOs represent one of the most significant changes to domestic abuse protection in recent years. They are designed to provide stronger, more flexible and longer-lasting protection, while also allowing courts to address modern forms of abuse such as online harassment, coercive control and financial abuse. For many victims, they will offer a wider range of protections than previously available through existing court orders.
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned about your safety, you should seek legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances.