A Practitioner’s Guide to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021: Definitions, Special Measures, Cross-examination Ban, DAPO/DAPN Pilots, Commencement and Related Reforms (England and Wales)

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Practice notes

Practice Note

This Practice Note summarises the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (DAA 2021) and introduces its principal provisions. It addresses the statutory definition of domestic abuse, special measures relating to evidence and participation in proceedings, restrictions on the cross-examination of victims of abuse, and the framework for domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs) and domestic abuse protection notices (DAPNs). It also outlines the pilot scheme under FPR 2010, PD 36ZG for DAPOs and DAPNs, and provides information on commencement dates. DAA 2021 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021 and is being implemented in stages. The Act effects wide-ranging reforms to the law on domestic abuse, including establishing a definition of domestic abuse, special measures for evidence and participation, limits on cross-examination of victims, and the orders a court may make.

DAA 2021 does not repeal Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 (FLA 1996) or other existing protections for victims, such as non-molestation or occupation orders. No other protective orders are repealed, as they remain available for non-domestic abuse cases. It will therefore be necessary...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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