Your weekly update, and get your new year off to a strong start with one of our live courses – the January line up is ready…
In this weeks update:
- Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders
- Respect Orders – Update From The House Of Lords Discussion
- Our January Course Line Up
- Weekly Round Up From Janine & Darren
Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders: A New Approach to Safeguarding
The introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) marks an important step in strengthening responses to domestic abuse. These tools are designed to provide immediate and long-term protection for victims, often addressing behaviours that overlap with antisocial behaviour.
DAPNs, issued by the police, offer swift protection by placing immediate restrictions on perpetrators, such as prohibiting contact with the victim or requiring them to leave the home. Following this, courts can impose DAPOs, which provide tailored, enforceable conditions aimed at preventing further harm. Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence, signalling a robust approach to accountability.
Although these measures are currently being piloted in select areas, they highlight the increasing focus on coordinated approaches to tackling harm and safeguarding victims. For ASB professionals, they offer valuable context for addressing behaviours that often intersect with domestic abuse.
Update On The Proposed Respect Orders
After the House of Commons statement on Respect Orders and ASB on 27 November, the discussion moved to the House of Lords on 3 December, raising some interesting points and questions. It’s important to note that the exact details of Respect Orders are still subject to change as the Crime and Policing Bill progresses, and there could be amendments before the Bill receives Royal Assent, so while the discussions so far are interesting, these proposals aren’t finalised…
What Was Discussed:
- How are Respect Orders different from ASB Injunctions?
Respect Orders target higher-level ASB compared to the injunction. - What kind of behaviour will they apply to?
Persistent issues like public drinking, drug use, and other forms of ASB involving adult offenders. - Will this criminalise people experiencing street homelessness?
No. Being homeless isn’t ASB, and safeguards will be in place to ensure fair treatment. - Are they for criminal behaviour?
Not necessarily. They’re aimed at lower-level ASB that doesn’t meet the threshold for a criminal offence. - What’s the standard of proof?
It will be on the balance of probabilities—just like ASB Injunctions. - Which courts will issue these orders?
Magistrates Courts, with applications from police and local authorities. Interestingly, Housing Associations weren’t mentioned during the Lords debate. - Do courts have the capacity for this?
This is why the orders are being piloted first. The pilot will assess court capacity, timeframes, and overall impact.
There’s still a lot of detail to be worked out, and it’s clear that these orders will continue to be debated and refined through the legislative process. The emphasis is on finding a balance – tackling ASB effectively while protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring fairness. We will keep you updated as this develops…
Start 2025 with Our Full January Training Line-Up
Our January schedule is now open for enrolment, offering a range of ASB training courses to help you hit the ground running in the new year. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or sharpen your skills, these sessions are tailored to give you practical insights and tools to help you in your roles.
Here’s what’s on offer:
- An Advanced Guide to the ASB Injunction
14 January 2025
Understand how to use ASB injunctions effectively, from their legal framework to real-world applications. - Effectively Managing Neighbour Disputes
16 January 2025 (Morning)
Learn how to handle neighbour disputes with practical strategies that focus on communication and positive outcomes. - Effectively Managing Non-ASB Noise Reports
16 January 2025 (Afternoon)
Explore approaches to addressing noise complaints that fall outside the ASB remit while ensuring fair resolutions. - An Introduction to ASB Case Management
20 January 2025 (Morning)
A must for those starting out, this course covers the core principles of managing ASB cases effectively.
With sessions designed to be practical and actionable, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your expertise for the year ahead. Visit the ASB Training Events page to view the full line-up and enrol today.
Janine & Darren’s Weekly Round-Up
This week’s updates highlight the evolving tools and discussions shaping ASB management and safeguarding. The introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders is a significant step forward, offering immediate and enforceable protections for victims while addressing behaviours that often overlap with ASB. These measures reinforce the need for a coordinated approach, and it will be interesting to see how the pilot phase informs their wider implementation.
The debate on Respect Orders has also raised important questions, particularly around their focus on higher-level ASB and ensuring safeguards for vulnerable individuals, like those experiencing homelessness. However, it’s important to note that the exact details of these orders will only become clear once the Crime and Policing Bill progresses further. There may be significant amendments before the Bill receives Royal Assent, so it’s worth keeping an eye on developments rather than assuming the current proposals are set in stone.
We can’t believe Christmas is almost here – this year has flown by! How are you feeling about tackling 2025? If you want to start the year on the right foot, why not join us for one of our January training courses? Whether it’s brushing up on ASB injunctions or learning how to handle neighbour disputes, we’ve got you covered with practical, no-nonsense sessions. Head to our training events page and get enrolled before you finish up for Christmas.
Have a great week!
Janine & Darren