Greater protection for domestic abuse victims in North Wales
The Government has announced that survivors of domestic abuse across North Wales will be better protected due to the further expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. This clampdown on domestic abuse has now been extended to North Wales, which means that hundreds more victims will benefit from stronger protection from abusers. The Government has reiterated its commitment to halve violence against women and girls in a decade as part of its Plan for Change.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders
Victims of domestic abuse in North Wales, as well as their friends, families, or support workers, can now apply for Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPO) in the family court at Caernarfon, Prestatyn, or Wrexham. Police can also apply on their behalf in the magistrates’ court for protection against abusers.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders build on existing police powers, providing stronger protection for victims, including forcing perpetrators to stick to strict exclusion zones, wear GPS tags, and attend substance misuse or mental health interventions.
Unlike current schemes, these orders cover all types of domestic abuse – including physical, controlling, or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and stalking – and can be issued by all courts. There will also be no maximum duration for these orders, compared to the 28-day current protection orders offer.
In the year to March 2024, North Wales Police granted 462 Domestic Violence Protection Notices and made over 350 applications under Clare’s Law to help protect victims of domestic abuse. These figures show why more flexible, streamlined tools like Domestic Abuse Protection Orders will further help victims.
North Wales
DAPO orders have been trialed in other areas of the UK and are now being launched in North Wales, which will mark an important step in gathering more valuable insight as the Government works towards wider expansion across the country.
How to access these orders
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, it is important that you know where and how to access these orders. Contact your solicitor, local family court, the police, or your support worker today to help access a DAPO for the safety you deserve.
We have domestic abuse solicitors who are trained in dealing with high-conflict cases. We pride ourselves on providing pragmatic and non-judgmental advice, ensuring that appropriate steps are taken.
We have strong working relationships with domestic abuse agencies, where two of our solicitors attend monthly clinics to provide advice. If necessary, we can also make referrals to them on your behalf.
We understand that going through domestic abuse can be extremely stressful and difficult to deal with. We will become part of your support network, guiding you and providing advice each step of the way.
You can contact our friendly family law team on 01492 874774.