Children could soon receive stronger legal protection from domestic abuse under a new Bill introduced by Jessica Toale MP.
The proposed legislation seeks to close a significant gap in current domestic abuse laws by allowing children to be directly protected by Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, known as DAPOs.
At present, children are not fully covered by these orders, which means family courts often have to rely on older and less robust protections. The Bill would allow children to apply for protection themselves, enable parents to include children in their applications, and ensure that young people facing abuse in their own relationships can access the same legal safeguards as adults.
Jessica Toale said that DAPOs were intended to be the strongest form of protection for those facing domestic abuse, but children are still being left out. She explained that her Bill would ensure children and young people have access to the same protections as adults, addressing a clear risk for many families.
DAPOs, which are currently being piloted across England and Wales, allow courts to prevent abusers from contacting victims, keep them away from homes or workplaces, require electronic monitoring, and mandate steps to change behaviour. Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence.
With over two thousand DAPOs already issued, the Bill aims to ensure these protections work as intended for all victims, including children, as the orders are rolled out more widely. The Bill has secured a top position in the parliamentary ballot, giving it a realistic chance of progressing through Parliament, with support from multiple parties and the Government. The Second Reading is scheduled for 4 December 2026.
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