Police Response to Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a priority for all police forces in England and Wales. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 placed the definition of domestic abuse on a statutory footing for the first time, recognising physical, emotional, coercive or controlling, economic, and sexual abuse between persons who are personally connected. The Act also introduced Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), which are intended to replace the earlier DVPNs and DVPOs. As of 2026, DAPNs and DAPOs remain in a pilot phase in selected areas and have not yet been rolled out nationally: DVPNs and DVPOs remain the primary protective orders used by police across England and Wales.

When police attend a domestic abuse incident, the immediate priority is the safety of the victim and any children present. Officers are trained to use the DASH risk assessment (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment) to identify the level of risk: standard, medium, or high. High-risk cases are referred to the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), where police, social services, housing, health, and other agencies coordinate a safety plan.

Evidence gathering in domestic abuse cases is critical because victims may later withdraw support for the prosecution. Police are trained to gather evidence that can support a prosecution without the victim's testimony, including: body-worn video footage of the scene and the victim's demeanour, photographs of injuries, 999 call recordings, statements from neighbours or other witnesses, medical evidence, and evidence of coercive or controlling behaviour patterns. The CPS has issued guidance on evidence-led prosecutions in domestic abuse cases.

Police have the power to issue a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) under sections 24-33 of the Crime and Security Act 2010, which is an emergency non-molestation notice effective for 48 hours. Within that period, the police must apply to a magistrates' court for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), which can last up to 28 days and may include conditions such as prohibiting the perpetrator from contacting the victim or entering the victim's home. Breach of a DVPO is contempt of court under s.63 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980, punishable by up to two months' custody or a fine.