Metropolitan Police launch pilot for new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to protect victims and restrict offenders

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a two-year pilot of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), a powerful new tool designed to protect victims and ensure perpetrators of domestic abuse face strong restrictions, which could include exclusion zones.

The pilot, which will go live in November, will operate in the South London boroughs of Sutton, Croydon, and Bromley. DAPOs are part of the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, a central pillar of the New Met for London plan to make the capital safer for all.

DAPOs represent a significant advancement in how domestic abuse is addressed in the UK. The new orders combine the most effective elements of existing protection orders, such as Non-Molestation Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders, while removing some of the limitations of those earlier measures. DAPOs aim to control perpetrators and punish those who breach their restrictions offering stronger, longer-lasting protection for victims.

One of the key advantages of DAPOs is their flexibility—they can be issued at any stage, whether or not an arrest has been made, during an investigation, or even post-conviction. Victims can also apply directly through family or county courts, offering them more immediate access to protection. In addition, third parties granted permission by the Home Office may also apply on behalf of a victim.

Innovative Approach to Offender Accountability

DAPOs are not only focused on immediate protection but also on changing offender behaviour. Unlike previous orders, DAPOs can impose positive requirements on perpetrators, such as mandatory participation in drug, alcohol, or behaviour change programmes. The orders may also include electronic monitoring, including the use of GPS tags, to track offenders and ensure compliance. Breaches of a DAPO are a criminal offence and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine, or both.

The length of a DAPO will be determined by the level of risk posed by the offender, and in extreme cases, could last a lifetime. Perpetrators subject to DAPOs will be closely monitored by the police for the entire duration of the order, ensuring continued protection for victims.

Commitment to Tackling VAWG

The introduction of DAPOs is part of the Met’s wider commitment to protecting women and girls and tackling domestic abuse head-on. The new orders will strengthen the Met’s approach to violence against women and girls by focusing on both prevention and enforcement, as well as ensuring that perpetrators are held fully accountable for their actions.

Commander Kevin Southworth from the Metropolitan Police said:

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for the Met and this pilot is another step forward in our work to make London safer for women and girls.

“We’re also strengthening our support for victims-survivors of domestic abuse and using new data-led technology to catch perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

“More than two million people are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year – a number that is appalling, frightening and we are determined to change.

“That’s why one of our first acts to deliver against our ambitious manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is to launch new, strengthened Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible order that covers all forms of domestic abuse and has no time limit, we’ll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve.”