According to the Office for National Statistics, instances of reported domestic abuse in the UK decreased by approximately 60,000 cases between March 2023 and March 2024.
While this is a promising direction, the sheer volume of reports involved indicates that tackling domestic abuse remains a very serious issue, with almost 75% of cases involving male-on-female violence.
Motions like the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme have helped some victims avoid potential harm. However, newly introduced measures may offer domestic abuse victims some relief that may prevent further instances from occurring in the future. But what are these measures, and will they prove to be a truly useful tool in the fight against such crimes?
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic abuse, St Helens Law is here for you. Our family law solicitors in St Helens can offer actionable advice to keep you safe from further harm while exploring all legal options available to you, so you always have experts and statutory agencies on your side.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your situation, or keep reading to learn more.
New domestic abuse measures
In November 2024, Labour introduced two new measures designed to protect victims of domestic abuse and to limit the ability of those accused to cause further harm: Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.
Beginning on a smaller scale, in parts of Greater Manchester and London, the scheme will eventually be rolled out on a national basis, possibly by the end of 2025.
While they sound similar, they are used consecutively by police officers to provide the most stringent protection possible.
In both of the following instances, the measures are designed to protect not just victims of physical violence, but also psychological violence, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, stalking and similar domestic abuse-related issues.
What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) can be issued by a police officer when they have reasonable suspicion that someone has been the victim of domestic abuse.
If issued, the terms of the DAPN contain specific instructions that demand the proposed perpetrator does not contact the victim in any way, shape or form, and must keep a specified distance away from them.
Failure to keep to the terms of the DAPN can result in further criminal charges.
However, not every instance of domestic abuse can take advantage of such notices. The perpetrator must be eighteen years old and the victim must be at least sixteen years old.
On top of this, the alleged crime needs to meet certain parameters, as outlined by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021:
- The perpetrator and accuser must be known to each other intimately, or are/ have been engaged, married or in a civil partnership.
- They share, or have shared, parental responsibility for a child.
- They are related.
Once a DAPN has been handed out, it is legally binding for 48 hours. During this time, if they wish to impose further protections, the police must apply for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order to replace it.
What is the Domestic Abuse Protection Order?
A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a direct extension of a DAPN. Essentially, any restrictions that have been placed upon the perpetrator are extended for a period deemed reasonable by a judge.
In other words, there is no maximum or minimum length a DAPO can be in place, which is one of its advantages over previous legislation in which a measure could expire quickly; The judge will examine the case and impose the DAPO depending on the severity of the case, to keep victims safe for the longest time possible.
Interestingly, it does not need to be a police officer or local authorities that request a DAPO. It can be done by a friend, relative, or someone completely uninvolved with the situation – this increases the chances of protective measures being made by offering more people, regardless of their occupation or relationship with the victim, the chance to voice their concerns.
If you or someone you know is in imminent danger from someone else, a DAPO could be the right move. Speak to St Helens Law today for more information.
What is Raneem’s Law?
There’s a strong argument that these new measures are a direct evolution of Raneem’s Law, and the circumstances surrounding the law’s creation.
In August 2018, Raneem Oudeh and her mother were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband. Leading up to the incident, thirteen reports were made to police with concerns over Raneem’s safety.
More worryingly, Raneem called emergency services four times on the night she and her mother were killed, but police did not arrive in time to prevent their deaths.
As a result, domestic abuse specialists have been deployed in several 999 call centres across the country, with the possibility of expanding the step nationwide.
With DAPO and DAPN rulings in place, similar instances in the future can hopefully be avoided, with more vigorous restrictions in place and a greater focus on the danger levels posed by domestic abusers.
Explore domestic abuse support at St Helens Law
Have you or someone you know been a victim of domestic violence? If you wish to explore the options available to you to ensure your safety, speak to St Helens Law.
Our team of family law solicitors in St Helens are well-equipped to offer you the correct guidance, so you can begin to live your life free from the threats of a current or former abuser.
Alternatively, if your case concerns a longstanding family matter, we’re also able to help and can offer a deeper understanding of the family courts, even if a criminal offence has been committed.
For more information on this new domestic abuse bill, how domestic abuse offenders are handled in the criminal courts, and the best ways to protect yourself, get in touch with a member of the team today.