Understanding Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) and their role in domestic abuse investigations, 24 September 2025

 

A must attend CPD workshop that provides contemporary best practice and operational guidance around Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) and their role in domestic abuse investigations.

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It is aimed at investigators who want to develop and enhance current knowledge around how to use DAPOs as part of their domestic abuse investigations.

 

What are Domestic Abuse Protection Orders?

DAPO’s are unique in that they are the first protective orders that are available through both Civil and Criminal Court proceedings.

They are protective orders for those experiencing domestic abuse.

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They prohibit the abuser from communicating with and contacting the victim, harassing, threatening, approaching them and posting material on social media.

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DAPO’s are currently being piloted in several forces around England and Wales. The pilot began in November 2024 and is expected to last two years.

 

Workshop led by National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)

The session will be led by Julia Gatie, Training Manager for Northern England at the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), an organisation which obtains 30 per cent of all Non-Molestation and Occupations Orders granted in England & Wales. NCDV can obtain DAPOs in the pilot areas and are uniquely placed to provide expert input and guidance to investigators.

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The NCDV was established 22 years ago to help victims of domestic abuse obtain protection via a civil order against an abuser at no cost. NCDV also provide inputs on civil orders to police forces, domestic abuse services, IDVA’s, probation, local authorities and health services.  

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The NVDV are following the pilots closely and assisting victims in the pilot areas to obtain a DAPO if this is the safest and best option for their circumstances.

 

Outline of the day

The workshop will provide investigators with all the information needed to help establish whether a DAPO would be beneficial to their investigations.

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This includes:

• What are DAPOs and how can they benefit an investigation?

• How do DAPO’s protect victims?

• Why they an effective way of preventing further offending?

• What criteria needs to be met to apply for a DAPO?

• A step-by-step guide around how to apply for a DAPO

• What happens if the DAPO is breached

• Julia will also outline how the NCDV can assist with obtaining a DAPO.

 

Limitations and challenges

A look at the limitations and challenges of DAPOs.

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These challenges include:

• Children are not part of the terms of the order.

• Cases are required to be heard at the court in the area where the alleged perpetrator resides which can have an adverse effect on victims who have fled their local area.

• Unable to obtain for those aged under 16 years.

 

We’ll also consider how investigators can use other orders in domestic abuse investigations that include:

• Non-Molestation Orders

• Prohibited Steps Orders

• Occupation Orders

 

Workshop will be held online via Teams.

Certificates of CPD available.

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HOW TO BOOK

Cost: £199.99 + VAT (GBP) per delegate per workshop (LEA and Government Agency rate).  £249.50 + VAT (Industry rate), 

 

​Group bookings: We offer various discounts for group bookings depending on numbers, please contact us for details.

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Booking: Please send the delegates name(s), email address(es) and purchase order (made out to The Investigator) to booking@the-investigator.co.uk or telephone +44(0)844 660 8707 for further information. 

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Payment can be made by PayPal/debit/credit card. ​The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.