Latest Domestic Abuse Protections Released

In recent news, the government has announced further changes to the sentencing of domestic abuse offences, including a new definition that will apply to all possible relationships and victims and now covers controlling behaviour and economic abuse.

Domestic abuse:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:

• Psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• Economic
• Emotional

The Government is going to make a new DAPN (Domestic Abuse Protection Notice) and DAPO (Domestic Abuse Protection Order) scheme, which will operate a clearer route for victims, police and other practitioners. This scheme will completely replace the existing domestic violence protection notice and order. Other orders such as restraining orders and occupation orders will remain the same, as these do not apply for domestic abuse situations. The new orders can be made by the court after an application by the victim or particular people on behalf of the victim, e.g. family members, relatives or councillor. The time taken for the new orders to be put in place is relatively flexible as it is specified by either the court or until a further order is made.

To find out more about Domestic Abuse Notices, please click here.

What are the conditions of the new Domestic Abuse Protections?

The new order could consist of prohibitions and positive requirements. Prohibitions can be requirements for not making any contact with the victim online or in person, keeping a certain distance from the victim, and not consuming any alcohol or drugs. Positive requirements can be anti-alcohol or drug programmes and parenting programmes. Other conditions such as electronic monitoring could also apply. It is a criminal offence to breach any of the Domestic Abuse Protection Order conditions.

How Tuckers Solicitors can help you in relation to Domestic Abuse Protections…

We are exceptionally experienced in all areas of domestic abuse accusations. It is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. To discuss anything to do with Domestic Abuse protections, please contact Adam Makepeace on 020 7388 8333 or makepeacea@tuckerssolicitors.com and we will gladly assist.

Our offices are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to deliver immediate and expert legal advice and representation.