Domestic Abuse Act 2020
On 4th January 2023, The Domestic Abuse Act 2020 was introduced to the Isle of Man and gives victims of domestic abuse and the police, more powers to deal with such offences.
Two new offences are now available to police:
- Domestic abuse
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
The Police and the Courts can use a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) both of which aims to provide a victim with immediate protection following an incident of domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse Protection Notices
The DAPN can be served by the police against a person who is aged over 14 years, and is personally connected to the victim of abuse (aged 16 years or over). In order to serve a DAPN, the police would have to reasonably believe that he or she has been abusive or threatened abuse against you and that you need to be protected.
A DAPN can be served by the police on the alleged abuser, even if you as the victim do not agree with it.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders
The DAPO is applied for to the Court by the police. If the order will last for the time granted. The following restrictions can be applied;
- To stop the abuser from entering, and being within a certain distance of your home
- To stop the abuser from making you leave or exclude you from your home
- Require the abuser to leave the home
- To have no contact with you
The Court will hear the application within 14 days of the person being served the DAPN by the police. The DAPO can be made in his/her absence.
A DAPO can be served by the police on the alleged abuse, even if you as the victim do not agree with it.