Support for victims of domestic abuse
Domestic Violence Protection Notice
A Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) is a notice served by the police against a person who is aged over 18, where the police reasonably believe the person has been violent or has threatened violence against you and you need to be protected. The DVPN can:
- stop them from coming near or into your home
- stop them from making you leave or excluding you from your home
- make them leave your home
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is an order applied for by the police and issued by the Magistrates’ Court. If an order is made, it will last for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 28 days.
What happens if the person does not follow the conditions of the DVPN/DVPO?
If it is an emergency and you are in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, you should call the police on 101 or visit a police station in person.
The person will be arrested and appear before a Magistrates’ Court. They could be fined up to £5,000 and/or sent to prison for up to 2 months.
Domestic Violence Protection Notice
The police can serve a Domestic Violence Protection Notice or Domestic Violence Protection Order even if you do not agree to it. You will not have to go to court or give evidence if you do not want to.
Help and support
A number of agencies can provide you with specialist assistance and advice. For details, visit this is not an excuse.
Advice for domestic abusers can be found on the respect.uk.net website.
Report domestic abuse
Find out how to report domestic abuse.