More Than 1,000 Victims Protected Through Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

More than 1,000 victims of domestic abuse have received protection through domestic abuse protection orders since their introduction in November 2024, according to an announcement from the Home Office and Ministry of Justice on 25 November.

Implementation and Scope of the Orders

Introduced as part of the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls within 10 years and aligned with its Plan for Change, domestic abuse protection orders are designed to provide victims with stronger and more adaptable safeguards. Unlike some previous measures, these orders do not carry minimum or maximum time limits, giving courts the flexibility to maintain conditions for as long as required.

The orders are currently active in Greater Manchester, three London boroughs including Croydon, Bromley and Sutton, as well as Cleveland and North Wales. They are also utilised by the British Transport Police. Since their launch, more than 1,000 orders have been issued across the UK.

Protections and Legal Consequences

Once in place, the orders require perpetrators to adhere to various restrictions, which may include electronic monitoring or participation in behaviour change programmes. The orders apply to all types of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, economic abuse, stalking and honour-based abuse. Applications can be made by all courts, the police, local authorities, charities, social services or by victims themselves.

Breaching an order constitutes a criminal offence that can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

Progress Under Wider Government Efforts

The update follows ongoing actions to address domestic abuse, including the introduction of Raneem’s Law, which places domestic abuse specialists in five 999 control rooms as part of the government’s strategy addressing violence against women and girls. With an estimated 3.8 million people experiencing domestic abuse last year, domestic abuse protection orders form part of the government’s broader effort to hold offenders accountable.

Statements from Government Ministers

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, said she had seen the impact of domestic abuse first-hand. She stated that over 1,000 orders issued across England and Wales demonstrate practical steps being taken to support victims and emphasised her commitment to improving safety for women and girls.

Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, described the protection orders as the first and strongest of their type. She said more than promises were required and highlighted the 1,000 orders issued as evidence of victims receiving necessary protection. She added that the government intends to expand this support as part of its mission to reduce violence against women and girls.

Police and Partner Agency Perspectives

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, Protecting Vulnerable People lead at Greater Manchester Police, said the force was proud to help shape the pilot and noted that more than 500 orders had been secured in the past year. She added that eight of ten Greater Manchester districts are now live under the pilot, which allows police to safeguard victims without requiring them to provide a statement or attend court.

Commander Clair Kelland, Met Police public protection lead, said the force is committed to securing justice for victims and prioritising their protection. She said the pilot demonstrates the importance of the new powers in preventing escalation and ensuring offenders face swift consequences. She noted that 180 orders issued and enforced under the pilot have contributed to preventing repeat victimisation.

North Wales Police Detective Superintendent Jackie Downes, Head of the Protection of Vulnerable People Unit, said domestic abuse protection orders were introduced in the region in April and that more than 70 had been implemented with partner agencies. She reported positive outcomes and noted that courts have taken breaches seriously, contributing to increased protection for victims and families.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said police forces had quickly adopted the orders and were using them regularly to support those facing abuse. He noted that despite serving a population of just over 600,000, Cleveland Police had secured around a quarter of all orders issued nationally. He added that the wider criminal justice system must ensure meaningful enforcement and that partners should support behavioural change to reduce violence in the long term.

Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director of the Drive Partnership, said the introduction of domestic abuse protection orders represented a significant step in recognising and responding to all forms of domestic abuse. She welcomed the milestone of more than 1,000 orders issued and said the measures aim to enhance both immediate and long-term safety for victims. She added that the focus on restricting perpetrators and addressing harmful behaviour is key to breaking cycles of abuse for both adult and child victims.