England & Wales (pilot rollout)
Domestic Abuse Protection Notice & Order (DAPN/DAPO)
Magistrates / Family / Civil Court
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Who can apply
Police (DAPN immediately + DAPO application within 48 hours), victim, third party with leave of the court.
Grounds
Where on the balance of probabilities the respondent has been abusive towards a person aged 16+ to whom they are personally connected, and the order is necessary and proportionate to protect from abuse or risk of abuse.
Evidence required
Police evidence (body-worn footage, 999 logs), victim statement, history of call-outs, risk assessment (DASH). DAPO can include positive requirements like attending a perpetrator programme or notification of address.
Duration
DAPN immediate, up to 48 hours. DAPO has no maximum duration — can be open-ended; reviewed.
Breach consequences
Criminal offence — up to 5 years' imprisonment.
Legal aid
Available with DA evidence.
Apply for this order
Download the official application forms, see where to send them, and get free advice. Forms link to the government publication page so you always get the current revision.
Download the forms
Where to send / file
- Dial 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-urgent) — police issue the DAPN The DAPN is issued by a senior officer; the DAPO is then made by the court on the police's application.
- Magistrates' / Family Court — police application for the DAPO
- You can also apply for a DAPO yourself in the family court
Free advice & helplines
Tip: Use our Templates page for a Part 22 witness statement, position statement, chronology and Scott Schedule to attach to your application.
Underlying legislation: View the Act