Over 100 Domestic Abuse Protection Orders secured in first four months of pilot
The Home Office's Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) pilot in Greater Manchester has secured 119 orders between November 2024 and March 2025, safeguarding victims of domestic abuse. The pilot, initially launched in Bury and expanded to Wigan and Manchester, allows for civil orders even without recent incidents or physical violence. The dedicated DAPO team monitors compliance, with 45 breaches reported, including five arrests. Victim feedback has been positive, and the pilot is set to expand further. Victims across Greater Manchester can apply for DAPOs via family court, and support services are available for those not ready to contact police.
Greater Manchester Police has protected 119 domestic abuse victims through new court orders since November, with five perpetrators jailed for breaching the restrictions.
The Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), piloted by the Home Office in Bury starting 27 November 2024, expanded to Wigan in January and Manchester city centre in February. The orders allow police to intervene even without recent incidents or victim cooperation when emotional or verbal abuse is present.
Police recorded 45 breaches of the 119 orders issued through 31 March, with most violations involving failure to register. Five men received jail sentences for contacting victims in violation of their orders, while the force conducts regular compliance checks and victim visits to ensure safety.
A dedicated team doubled in size to handle DAPO applications and evidence packages for court presentation, with Detective Sergeant Steven Gardner and Supervisor Victoria Collins leading the unit featured in an ITV Granada segment airing Thursday. Victims county-wide can obtain DAPOs through family courts, with police monitoring all orders regardless of application method.
Emergency reports can be made via 999, 101, or GMP’s website Live Chat service. The Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline operates Monday-Friday 10am-4pm with language services and LGBT support through End the Fear.
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