Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders are set to become available across England and Wales from 25 November 2026, marking a significant development in the legal framework for protecting people affected by domestic abuse.
When will the national rollout begin?
The Law Society reported on 30 October 2026 that the national rollout of DAPNs and DAPOs is scheduled to begin on 25 November 2026. The measures form part of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and are intended to provide a more flexible and consolidated civil protection framework.
The Government introduced the pilot in November 2024. The Government’s 2026 post-legislative scrutiny of the Domestic Abuse Act records that the relevant provisions had been commenced on a pilot basis and that full national commencement had not yet taken place at the time of that assessment. The rollout date is also reflected in the updated family procedure arrangements published by the Ministry of Justice.
- The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 receives Royal Assent, establishing the statutory framework for DAPNs and DAPOs.
- The DAPN and DAPO pilot begins in selected areas and with British Transport Police.
- The Government publishes its post-legislative scrutiny of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
- The Ministry of Justice updates its Family Procedure Rules information to reflect the wider rollout arrangements.
- The national rollout is scheduled to begin across England and Wales.
What are DAPNs and DAPOs?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice is a police-issued notice intended to provide immediate protection following an incident of domestic abuse. It can impose restrictions on the person alleged to have been abusive, including conditions designed to prevent contact with the protected person or return to a relevant address.
A Domestic Abuse Protection Order is a civil court order. It can prohibit specified conduct and impose positive requirements on the person subject to it. The framework is intended to address a broad range of domestic abuse, rather than being limited to physical violence. It can therefore be relevant to conduct including coercive or controlling behaviour, economic abuse, psychological abuse and stalking where the statutory requirements are met.
The Government’s statutory guidance explains the police-led processes for considering a DAPN, applying for a DAPO and working with other agencies when an order is in place. It also sets out requirements relating to monitoring compliance and responding to breaches.
What can a DAPO require?
DAPOs are designed to allow courts to tailor restrictions to the circumstances of an individual case. Depending on the order made, conditions may include:
- Prohibitions on contacting or approaching the protected person.
- Exclusion zones or restrictions on entering specified locations.
- Electronic monitoring, including tagging where the legal requirements are met.
- Positive requirements, such as participation in a behaviour-change or substance-misuse programme.
- Requirements to provide the police with the person’s name and address within the prescribed period and keep those details up to date.
The order can be tailored to the protection required. The statutory guidance addresses the use of prohibitions, positive requirements, electronic monitoring and notification requirements. The precise conditions will depend on the circumstances and the court’s decision.
Which courts can make the orders?
The national rollout is intended to make the framework available across family, civil and criminal courts in England and Wales. This cross-jurisdictional approach is a central feature of the new order: a DAPO may be considered through different routes, including an application or during existing court proceedings where the statutory conditions are satisfied.
The police can issue a DAPN and pursue a related court application. The legislation and guidance also provide routes for applications by the person seeking protection and by specified third parties, subject to the relevant statutory and procedural requirements. Courts may also have powers to make an order during proceedings already before them.
The Ministry of Justice’s Family Procedure Rules information states that Practice Direction 36ZG has been amended to reflect the extension of the DAPO arrangements across England and Wales for specified purposes from 25 November 2026. Practitioners should consult the current rules and practice directions when advising on an application.
What are the legal aid arrangements?
The Law Society says civil legal aid is available for DAPO matters. Work may be undertaken by civil legal aid providers operating under the 2024 Standard Civil Contract and by criminal legal aid providers under the 2025 Standard Crime Contract.
Providers holding a crime contract will need to make the relevant legal aid application through the civil application system. This is an important practical point for firms advising clients or considering whether they can undertake DAPO work under their existing contract arrangements.
The Law Society also points practitioners to training materials on Legal Aid Learning. Rights of Women has advertised a training session for legal professionals on 4 November 2026, focusing on the national rollout and its implications for practitioners and the survivors they advise and represent.
What should legal practitioners know?
Family, civil and criminal practitioners should familiarise themselves with the statutory framework, the available application routes and the conditions that may be included in an order. Firms undertaking legal aid work should also check the contract route and application process relevant to their practice.
The Government’s police statutory guidance covers the operational handling of DAPNs and DAPOs, including safety planning, multi-agency information sharing, electronic monitoring, notification requirements and enforcement. It is specifically directed at police-led applications, so it should be read alongside the legislation, court rules and any guidance relevant to other application routes.
The rollout represents a change in the protective-order framework, but it does not remove the need for case-specific advice. Practitioners should assess the client’s circumstances, identify the appropriate route to protection and check the latest official guidance before advising on procedure or eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
When will DAPNs and DAPOs be rolled out nationally?
The national rollout across England and Wales is scheduled to begin on 25 November 2026.
What is the difference between a DAPN and a DAPO?
A DAPN is a police-issued notice intended to provide immediate protection. A DAPO is a civil court order that can impose tailored prohibitions and positive requirements.
Can a DAPO include electronic monitoring?
Yes. Electronic monitoring may be included where the relevant statutory conditions are met and the court considers it appropriate.
Can a DAPO require someone to attend a behaviour programme?
A DAPO can include positive requirements, which may include participation in a relevant behaviour-change or other programme, depending on the case and the statutory requirements.
Is legal aid available for DAPO proceedings?
The Law Society states that civil legal aid is available for DAPOs. Work may be undertaken through the relevant civil legal aid contract or, where applicable, by criminal legal aid providers using the civil application system.