Domestic violence protection notice vs domestic violence protection order

DVPN (protection notice) versus DVPO (protection order)

DVPNs and DVPOs work together as a two-stage process to provide immediate short-term protection for victims of domestic violence. The notice provides emergency protection; the order extends that protection after a court hearing.

Side by side

	DVPN (protection notice)	DVPO (protection order)
Who issues	A police superintendent or above, following a request from the officer attending the incident. Issued without court involvement	A magistrates' court, following an application by the police. The court must be satisfied on the balance of probabilities
Duration	Lasts until the magistrates' court hearing, which must take place within 48 hours of service (not including Sundays, Christmas Day, or Good Friday)	Minimum 14 days, maximum 28 days from the date the order is made by the court
Conditions	The perpetrator must not molest the victim and may be required to leave the premises. Further conditions may be specified	The court may impose any conditions it considers necessary, including non-contact, exclusion from the home, and non-molestation
Breach	Breach of a DVPN is not a criminal offence. Under section 25(3) of the Crime and Security Act 2010, breach triggers an application for a DVPO and may result in arrest, but the breach itself is dealt with through civil process	Breach of a DVPO is contempt of court under section 63 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980, punishable by up to two months' imprisonment and/or a fine
Application process	Police-initiated. The attending officer gathers evidence and presents the case to a superintendent for authorisation. No court application required	Police apply to the magistrates' court by complaint. The victim does not need to give evidence. The application is heard as soon as practicable
Standard of proof	The superintendent must have reasonable grounds for believing that violence has been used or threatened, and that the DVPN is necessary to protect the victim	The civil standard: balance of probabilities. The court must be satisfied that the respondent has been violent or has threatened violence, and that the order is necessary
Urgency	Designed for immediate use at the scene of a domestic incident, especially where the victim is unwilling or unable to pursue other remedies	Follows the DVPN. Provides a longer period of court-ordered protection while the victim considers next steps
Who it protects	The victim named in the notice. The notice may also benefit other occupants of the premises	The victim named in the order. The court may include conditions protecting other associated persons

Which applies

The DVPN and DVPO process was introduced by the Crime and Security Act 2010 to fill the gap where victims did not want to pursue criminal charges but needed immediate protection. The police do not need the victim's consent to issue a DVPN or apply for a DVPO. Victims should be signposted to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) and specialist support services.

Last updated 24 September 2026