Victims of domestic abuse in Cleveland will now receive greater protection, following the expansion of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs).
The move is part of the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, and will provide hundreds more victims with legal safeguards against abusers and stalkers.
How the New Orders Will Work
From 5 March, victims and their friends, family members, or support workers can apply for a DAPO at Teesside Combined Court Centre. Police can also apply on their behalf.
These powerful orders can:
Impose exclusion zones using electronic tagging to keep offenders away
Mandate attendance at behaviour change programmes
Cover all types of domestic abuse, including:
- Physical violence
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Stalking
The new court-issued protections build on successful trials in Greater Manchester and London, where multiple convictions have already been secured for breaches—some carrying prison sentences of up to five years.
Government Leaders on the Expansion
Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, welcomed the expansion, stating:
“This is a positive step forward in better protecting victims of domestic abuse and in our mission to halve violence against women and girls.
“The evidence from Manchester and London is that DAPOs are working, and the rollout in Cleveland will provide more victims and families with the immediate protection they deserve from the vile abusers controlling their lives.
Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips, added:
“We know the current protective order regime isn’t working – any victim will tell you that. But these new orders have already proven they can properly safeguard and protect victims.”
“Rolling out these orders to Cleveland will help more victims and provide valuable insight to inform a wider expansion across the country.
Nationwide Expansion Planned
Following its success, the government plans to expand DAPOs across North Wales in April, with an expected national rollout later this year.
Jim Hope, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, emphasized the importance of these orders:
“No victim or family should live in fear of their abuser. These new orders will allow the Crown Prosecution Service, alongside police and courts, to better safeguard victims and their families from this horrific offending.”
Support for Domestic Abuse Victims
As National Domestic Abuse Awareness Week continues, the government is urging all victims to seek help and take advantage of the new protective measures.
Victims or those supporting them can:
Call 999 in an emergency
Contact police via 101 for non-emergencies
Find local support services through GOV.UK
This landmark expansion is the latest step in tackling domestic abuse and ensuring victims receive the legal protection they deserve.
