AQW 33171/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 09/10/2025
Answered On Date: 21/10/2025
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to outline any consideration her Department has given to the interaction between (i) Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and Domestic Abuse Protection Notices; and (ii) existing protective measures, such as Non-Molestation Orders.


Answer:
Ensuring that there are effective and proportionate protections in place for victims of domestic abuse remains a key priority for me and my Department. We recognise that victims may require different forms of protection depending on their individual circumstances, and it is therefore important that a range of protective measures are available.
In developing proposals for the introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPN/Os), my officials have given careful consideration to how these new measures will interact with existing protective mechanisms such as Non-Molestation Orders (NMOs), Occupation Orders and Restraining Orders.
The DAPN/Os are being designed to provide immediate protection to victims of domestic abuse. The intention is that they can be applied for, not only by the victim themselves, but also by police or by another relevant third party, thereby helping to remove the onus from victims to initiate proceedings. I believe this is an important distinction that will help to enhance the available protections for victims of domestic abuse.
It is intended that the regulations giving effect to DAPNs and DAPOs will empower PSNI and the courts, respectively, to place certain restrictions and / or positive requirements on the individual subject to the DAPN or the DAPO, where these are considered necessary to prevent further abuse. For example, in the case of a DAPN, this might include an immediate requirement for them to leave the family home, or, in the case of a DAPO, a requirement for them to complete a specific programme designed to address the underlying drivers for abuse, such as a substance misuse programme. They are intended to offer protection to victims aged 16 and over.
By contrast, NMOs can provide protection to both the victim and to any relevant child(ren), preventing the perpetrator from harassing, intimidating, or threatening them. Victims may also qualify for an Occupation Order, which sets out terms restricting the offender from entering or residing in the home. NMOs and Occupation Orders are civil orders, however a breach of either constitutes a criminal offence; the intention is that that DAPOs will also be a civil protection order, however breach of a DAPO would be a criminal offence.
In addition, other protective measures such as Restraining Orders are also available within the existing framework, which provide further avenues of support and safety for victims of domestic abuse.
The development of the DAPN/O model is being carefully designed to complement, rather than duplicate, these existing provisions, ensuring a coherent and victim-centred system of protection in Northern Ireland.