AQW 41178/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/02/2026
Answered On Date: 27/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail the timescale she expects for the introduction of (i) Domestic Abuse Protection Notices; and (ii) Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) potentially represent an important next step in strengthening protections for victims of domestic abuse and enhancing the justice system’s ability to intervene at an earlier stage.

Officials are continuing to develop the detailed policy and operational model in close partnership with the PSNI. This work has been informed by learning from pilot activity in England and Wales, while ensuring that any approach adopted reflects the particular legal and operational context in Northern Ireland.

My Department is working with criminal justice partners to develop a pilot to test the use of DAPNs and police-led DAPOs in one police district in Northern Ireland. This approach will help to inform the development and roll-out of DAPNs and DAPOs across Northern Ireland. Through roundtable engagement with voluntary and community sector organisations, it was clearly articulated that a key advantage of DAPNs and DAPOs is that they remove the onus from victims to make protective applications themselves and that is why the pilot will focus on police-led DAPOs. This approach is intended to reduce pressure on victims at a point of crisis and ensure that protective action can be taken swiftly where necessary.

Subject to funding being made available, my Department is working towards the commencement of a two-year pilot during the 2026–27 financial year. The two-year pilot period will allow for structured monitoring and evaluation.