
Victoria Roberts, barrister with Coram Chambers, recently chaired a webinar on Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), showcasing the dedicated efforts of legal professionals to tackle vital issues surrounding domestic abuse.
Hosted in partnership with the Association of Lawyers for Children and the East London Family Justice Board, the event brought together a range of experts and professionals involved in the family justice sector.
The webinar featured keynote speakers HHJ Major, a Circuit Judge in Croydon leading the London DAPO pilot, and Mrs Justice Knowles, the lead judge for domestic abuse. They offered critical insights into the evolving landscape of DAPOs, discussing the legislation’s intent, the unique protections these orders provide, and how they differ from existing measures.
Judge Major emphasised creative approaches within the DAPO framework designed to safeguard victims, while Mrs Justice Knowles examined interim orders available in the Family Court and addressed the specific protections needed for children in domestic abuse cases.
David Dunne, who leads the DAPO Triage for The Drive Partnership, shared valuable information about the positive requirements and the role of triage in harm reduction.
The session concluded with an informative Q&A session, fostering an interactive dialogue among attendees.
Open to all professionals engaged in family justice, this timely webinar underscored the necessity of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to enhance understanding and response to domestic abuse issues.