Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations are the ninth commencement regulations made under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17) (“the Act”) that extend only to England and Wales. They bring into force Part 3 of the Act (which establishes a new domestic abuse protection notice and domestic abuse protection order), in so far as not already in force, on a piloted basis on 28th April 2025. Regulation 2 brings into force Part 3 of the Act, except section 55 (which repeals domestic violence protection notices and domestic violence protection orders), in the counties of the Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Denbighshire and Flintshire and the county boroughs of Conwy and Wrexham (“the specified areas”) for the period beginning with 28th April 2025 and ending with 26th November 2025.
Regulation 3(1) provides for the provisions of Part 3 to continue to have effect after 26th November 2025 in the specified areas in the cases referred to in accordance with paragraph (2) of that regulation. Regulation 3(1) and (3) also makes provision relating to the commencement made by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 6 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1191 (C. 76)) and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Commencement No. 8 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/319 (C. 10)) by correcting defects in the savings provisions made in those instruments. Regulation 4 accordingly omits the savings provisions in those instruments.
An impact assessment has not been published for these Regulations as no significant impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen arising from the provisions these Regulations bring into force. An impact assessment has been published in relation to the Act which does consider the impact of DAPOs and copies can be obtained from the Ministry of Justice, 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ, or from this website: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1007463/DA_Act_2021_Impact_Assessment.pdf.