On November 27, 2023, the UK government officially launched Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) as part of its long-awaited efforts to strengthen the legal framework surrounding domestic violence. This initiative follows tragic cases like the murder of Caroline Gore, who was brutally killed by her ex-partner, David Liptrot, just weeks after he was spared jail for breaching restraining orders against her. The new orders aim to prevent such occurrences moving forward.
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has become the face of this campaign, reflecting on the painful realities of domestic abuse. "Cases like Caroline's have revealed the inefficiencies of our protective systems," she stated. Following her comments, the public and media alike have echoed demands for more stringent regulations on the enforcement of protective orders, especially after tragedies stemming from abusive relationships.
The launch of DAPOs marks a significant change from the previous Domestic Violence Protection Orders, which fell short in many respects. The former orders lasted only 28 days and were mainly enforceable by the police. By comparison, DAPOs can now be applied for directly by victims, with the potential for lifetime prohibitions on contact between the abuser and the victim. Beyond simply prohibiting contact, the new measures may also require abusers to engage with positive interventions such as behavior change programs.
Phillips firmly believes the revised approach is necessary. "We must move away from just putting plasters on bigger cuts. Instead, we need to stop the need for plasters altogether," she emphasized. The essence of these reforms is driven by victims' voices and experiences, which have revealed the urgency for more responsive and enforceable legal protections.
Under the new DAPOs framework, breaching these orders will carry severe consequences. Offenders can now face up to five years imprisonment for violations, with the courts being able to impose electronic tagging on high-risk individuals for up to 12 months. This change aims to hold perpetrators accountable and improve victim safety dramatically.
The government has initiated pilot programs for DAPOs across several areas, including Greater Manchester, Croydon, Cleveland, and North Wales, with hopes of assessing their effectiveness. Phillips, alongside London Mayor Sadiq Khan, visited the Croydon custody center to kickstart these pilot projects. "We’re aiming for something substantial here, as the current system is not living up to the needs of victims," Khan remarked.
Meanwhile, the tragic backstory of Caroline Gore's murder has illuminated the failures of the current protective systems. Caroline's family has voiced their heartbreak and frustration, asserting they would still have her with them if proper restrictions had been enforced against Liptrot. Their calls for tougher penalties for breaches of protective orders have gained significant traction, with thousands of signatures amassed on petitions urging for change. Wigan council’s review of the circumstances surrounding her murder is also generating discussions about systemic improvements needed.
Community support for the new measures is evident, with multiple MPs and local authorities rallying behind the campaign. The Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, has publicly backed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum for the new orders to not only exist on paper but be actively enforced.
Despite the hope infused by these new measures, Phillips warned of the challenges facing successful implementation. "We need to see if police forces and public services can effectively use DAPOs," she cautioned. This statement reflects broader concerns about the resources available within a constrained public sector. With rising instances of domestic violence, the pressure is on to determine what support law enforcement and the justice system can provide.
According to Phillips, the past failures of domestic violence protection orders stemmed not only from legislative shortcomings but also from police miss-handling and misunderstanding of those laws. The commitment to retraining police officers and embedding domestic abuse specialists within emergency services aims to facilitate more nuanced responses to victims calling for help.
A ray of light shines through all this hard work, as the minister cautiously expressed optimism, feeling hopeful for real change brought forth by DAPOs. "This is day one, and it is learning exercise. If we learn from the experiences of victims, we have the potential to make lasting changes," she concluded. This sentiment is echoed by stakeholders who see the DAPOs as potentially revolutionary tools for managing domestic offenders and providing victims with the legal backing they need to feel safe.
Last year, domestic violence cases surged dramatically with the public increasingly aware of the systemic risks and challenges victims face. Phillips articulated the government's determination to put victims at the forefront of policy development, making clear: "We are not just here to implement orders, we intend for them to be part of comprehensive reforms throughout the justice system. We must get it right this time."
With new protective orders and public backing, the UK government hopes to establish real change through DAPOs, fostering trust and reliability within the systems meant to protect victims. The desire for accountability, alongside support and encouragement for survivors, must now translate from plans on paper to real, actionable progress.
