In England and Wales there are several kinds of protection order, and who asks for them differs. A criminal court can make a restraining order when it deals with a case. The police can issue an emergency notice and then ask a magistrates’ court for a domestic violence protection order (DVPO), or a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) where these are available, and can apply for a stalking protection order. You can apply yourself to the family court for a non-molestation order. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different orders.
Updated 8 October 2026 · Sources: legislation.gov.uk (Sentencing Act 2020, Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Crime and Security Act 2010, Stalking Protection Act 2019), GOV.UK, Home Office DAPO statutory guidance, CPS, mygov.scot, national helplines · Next review: January 2027
If you or a child are at risk right now, call 999, even if there is already an order in place. If you can’t speak, stay on the line; on a mobile, press 55 when asked (see how a silent 999 call works). Quick exit: if someone checks your phone or browser, read this in a private window or on a safe device, and clear your history afterwards. Refuge Tech Safety explains how.
Protection orders in three numbers
Which protection order does what?
This table covers England and Wales. The main difference is who starts it: you, the police, or a criminal court dealing with a case. Breaking any of these orders can lead to arrest.
DVPN/DAPN = the police’s emergency notice; DVPO/DAPO = the court order that follows. Maximum terms are on conviction in the Crown Court. For a step-by-step guide to applying yourself, see how to apply for a non-molestation order.
What is a restraining order in the UK?
In England and Wales, a restraining order is made by a criminal court, not applied for by you. When it sentences someone for any offence, the court can order them not to contact or approach you, to protect you from harassment or fear of violence. It can also make one after an acquittal if it is needed to protect you from harassment. Breaking it is a crime with up to five years in prison.
The prosecutor should ask for your views on whether you want an order, what it should say and how long it should last, so tell the police officer in your case early.
What is a DVPO (domestic violence protection order)?
A DVPO is a short-term order that gives you breathing space after a domestic incident. A senior police officer can issue a domestic violence protection notice (DVPN) straight away, which can stop the person contacting you or coming to your home. The police must then ask a magistrates’ court for a DVPO within 48 hours. The order lasts 14 to 28 days. You don’t have to agree to it or apply yourself.
How does an emergency police notice become a court order?
1. Police attend
2. Emergency notice
3. Court hearing within 48 hours
4. The order
5. Use the time to plan
What is a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)?
A DAPO is a newer order under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 that covers all forms of domestic abuse, including coercive control and economic abuse. The police, you, or a third party can ask for one, and any court dealing with a case can make one. It has no fixed time limit, can include tagging, and breaking it is a crime with up to five years in prison.
On 8 October 2026 GOV.UK says you can only apply if the person you need protection from lives in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees or North Wales. There is no court fee. Elsewhere, you can apply for a non-molestation order instead. HMCTS has told legal practitioners that DAPOs will be rolled out across England and Wales from 25 November 2026, when they are due to replace DVPNs and DVPOs; check GOV.UK for the latest. If the abuse includes controlling behaviour, our guide on what coercive control is explains the law.
What is a stalking protection order?
A stalking protection order is a civil order the police can ask a magistrates’ court for in England and Wales, even before anyone is charged. It can ban the person from contacting or going near you and can require them to do things, such as attend a programme. It lasts at least two years or until further order, and breaking it is a crime with up to five years in prison.
You can’t apply for one yourself, but you can ask the police officer dealing with your report whether they will apply. An interim order can protect you while the full application is decided. Start with our step-by-step guide on what to do if someone is stalking you.
Which order should I ask about?
What happens if someone breaks a protection order?
Call 999 if you are in danger, or 101 or report online if not. Breaking a restraining order, stalking protection order, DAPO or non-molestation order is a criminal offence in England and Wales with up to five years in prison. Breaking a DVPO is dealt with by the magistrates as contempt of court. Keep a record of every breach: dates, times, messages and witnesses. Our guide to where to report a crime lists every route.
Are protection orders different in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Yes. Scotland has no DVPOs, DAPOs or stalking protection orders in force; it uses non-harassment orders, interdicts and domestic abuse interdicts. Northern Ireland has stalking protection orders and non-molestation orders, but its law for police domestic violence notices and orders has not been brought into force. Ask the police or a helpline in your nation.
▲ this guide · ▬ similar in part · ▼ different. Checked on legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK and mygov.scot on 8 October 2026.
Who can help me get a protection order?
These helplines are free and confidential and can explain your options, help with a safety plan and point you to legal help. Numbers checked on 8 October 2026. For every official number in one place, see which number should I call?
Frequently asked questions
Not directly. In England and Wales a restraining order is made by a criminal court at the end of a case. If you want protection without a criminal case, you can apply to the family court for a non-molestation order, or for a DAPO if the person lives in a pilot area. Tell the police in your case if you want a restraining order considered.
No. A DVPO is started by the police after an incident and lasts only 14 to 28 days. A non-molestation order is one you apply for at the family court, and it usually lasts longer. Many people use the time a DVPO gives them to get advice and apply for a non-molestation order.
A DVPO, DAPO, stalking protection order or non-molestation order is a civil order, so getting one is not a conviction. A restraining order comes with a criminal case, usually after a conviction. Breaking most of these orders is a criminal offence, and a conviction for that does go on the person’s record.
Yes. An order does not stop someone physically. If you are in danger, call 999 and say there is an order. Keep a copy of the order with you or on a safe device, and save evidence of every breach. See 999 or 101? for non-urgent reports.
Sources
- Sentencing Act 2020, section 360 (restraining orders on conviction) and section 363 (breach)
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997, section 5A (restraining orders on acquittal)
- CPS: restraining orders
- Crime and Security Act 2010, sections 24 to 33 (DVPNs and DVPOs)
- Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, section 63 (breach of a magistrates’ order)
- GOV.UK: apply for a domestic abuse protection order in a family court
- GOV.UK: domestic abuse protection orders news (November 2025)
- Stalking Protection Act 2019
- GOV.UK: get an injunction if you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse
- mygov.scot: non-harassment orders and domestic abuse interdicts
- Protection from Stalking Act (Northern Ireland) 2022
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline, Live Fear Free, Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, nidirect helpline, Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Refuge Tech Safety
General information for the UK, not legal advice. Laws change: check GOV.UK or a solicitor for your situation. In an emergency, always call 999.
Keep reading
An order on paper, people you trust on your phone
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