Sutton Pilots New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to Combat Abuse

28 September 2025

Sutton is piloting new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) as part of its ongoing efforts to combat domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

The pilot, which began in November 2024, is part of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and aims to provide enhanced protection for victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The pilot is running as part of the South Area Basic Command Unit (BCU), which brings together policing resources for Croydon, Bromley and Sutton.

DAPOs can include requirements for perpetrators to participate in programmes or treatment, such as a perpetrator programme or drug and alcohol treatment. The orders also provide enhanced protection for victims.

Beyond DAPOs, Sutton offers a range of support services for victims of domestic abuse. Sutton Domestic Abuse Support Services (Sutton DASS), led by Cranstoun, manages the overall service and provides Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), DA One Stop Shops (for both female and male victims), and the Men and Masculinities perpetrator programme, in addition to managing the Refuge. Other providers include Sutton Women's Centre (Freedom Programme), The Limes College (services for young people), and Jigsaw4u (Helping Hands). The Sutton Women's Centre also provides the Identification & Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS) service in Sutton, identifying and supporting victims in GP surgeries.

The pilot was discussed at the Sutton Council Scrutiny Committee meeting on 24 September 2025, where members reviewed community safety arrangements in Sutton.

Sutton is also placing increased focus on perpetrator accountability. In addition to the DAPO pilot, a fortnightly perpetrator panel meeting is held to discuss ways to more effectively manage the most prolific offenders.

The Safer Sutton Partnership Strategy 2025-28 sets out the strategic priorities for the partnership over the next three years. These priorities include:

Challenging domestic abuse, sexual abuse and violence against women and girls

The Serious Violence Duty Strategy 2024-26 defines serious violence as:

Any violence and exploitation affecting young people under the age of 25, domestic abuse, and sexual violence. Within the context of these types of violence, it encompasses homicide, grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, rape, assault by penetration, sexual assault, personal robbery, threats to kill and violence against property caused during the commission of one of these offences.

Councils Involved

Sutton

Meetings Involved

the Scrutiny Committee of Sutton Council on 24 September 2025

People Involved

Councillor Edward Joyce Chair: Scrutiny Committee, Vice Chair: Beddington and Wallington Local Committee • Liberal Democrat • South Beddington and Roundshaw

Councillor Qasim Esak Vice Chair: Scrutiny Committee • Liberal Democrat • Sutton West and East Cheam

Councillor Andrew Jenner Chair: Carshalton and Clockhouse Local Committee • Liberal Democrat • Carshalton Central

Councillor Gemma Munday Liberal Democrat • St Helier East

Councillor Patrick Ogbonna Chair: Hackbridge, St Helier and the Wrythe Local Committee • Liberal Democrat • The Wrythe

Councillor Luke Taylor Liberal Democrat • Sutton West and East Cheam

Councillor Martina Allen Chair: Cheam North and Worcester Park Local Committee • Local Conservatives • Worcester Park South

Councillor Tim Crowley Local Conservatives • Carshalton South and Clockhouse

Councillor Neil Garratt Local Conservatives • Belmont

Councillor Joe Quick Local Conservatives • Worcester Park North

Topics

Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) pilot domestic abuse violence against women and girls Sutton Council Safer Sutton Partnership Strategy 2025-28 Serious Violence Duty Strategy 2024-26