GMP secures first innovative order to protect domestic abuse survivors in GM
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has secured the first Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) in Greater Manchester as part of a government pilot in Bury. The order, issued at Manchester Magistrates' Court, prohibits the offender from contacting the victim in any way for six months, with any breach being an arrestable offence. DAPOs offer stronger and longer-lasting protections compared to existing measures, including positive requirements for perpetrators and direct application options for victims or their support networks. GMP is one of three UK police forces piloting the scheme, with plans to roll it out across Greater Manchester in 2025.
Greater Manchester Issues First Domestic Abuse Protection Order in National Pilot
Greater Manchester Police secured the nation’s first Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) at Manchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the government’s pilot program to strengthen protections for domestic abuse victims.
The order, issued against a man who subjected a woman to coercive and controlling behaviour alongside physical abuse, imposes strict no-contact conditions for six months. Any breach constitutes an arrestable criminal offence, representing a more robust legal framework than existing Domestic Violence Protection Notices.
Greater Manchester Police, selected as one of three forces to pilot the Home Office initiative beginning in November, launched the program in Bury district with plans for force-wide implementation in 2025. The new orders can protect victims from all forms of domestic abuse - physical, sexual, or coercive and controlling behaviour - and unlike current measures, carry no time limits.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Faulkner, leading the GMP pilot, emphasized the force’s commitment to victim protection: “We are really pleased to be one of the few forces taking part in the pilot of DAPOs. This will give us the opportunity to work alongside our national partners, such as the Home Office, on shaping policing of the future where it comes to the protection of vulnerable people.”
The orders offer enhanced capabilities beyond existing measures, including positive requirements for perpetrators such as electronic monitoring or mandatory attendance at behaviour change programmes. Victims or their approved support network members can apply directly for these orders, which police say will provide longer-lasting protection particularly when victims don’t support criminal prosecution.
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips highlighted the urgency of the initiative: “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.”
Over the past year, Greater Manchester Police issued more than 1,900 Domestic Violence Protection Notices. The force reports achieving justice for approximately 1,300 more victims compared to three years ago through improved response times, increased arrests, and enhanced victim support.
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