Strengthening Protection: The Domestic Abuse and Related Provisions (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2024

This Monday 16 June 2025, the Domestic Abuse and Related Provisions (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2024 (the Law) came into force, marking a landmark development in the Bailiwick’s legal response to domestic abuse. This comprehensive and modernised piece of legislation replaces and extends previous provisions, bringing Guernsey into alignment with best practices in domestic abuse law and fulfilling key recommendations from independent reviews and international human rights standards.

A Modern Legal Framework for Domestic Abuse

The new Law provides a clear statutory definition of domestic abuse, recognising not only physical violence but also sexual violence and emotional, psychological, coercive and controlling behaviour as abuse. This broader definition reflects the complex and insidious nature of domestic abuse, moving away from a narrow focus on physical harm alone.

Key highlights of the Law include:

1. Definition and Scope

The Law applies to behaviour between individuals who are personally connected – a definition that includes current and former partners, relatives, and others in close personal relationships. Domestic abuse is defined as behaviour that is abusive and where the perpetrator and victim are personally connected.

Importantly, the Law applies regardless of the victim’s gender, recognising the reality that anyone can be affected by domestic abuse.

2. Introduction of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders (DAPNs and DAPOs)

A major innovation is the creation of Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs) and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs).

• DAPNs can be issued by the police at the scene of an incident to provide immediate protection to the victim.
• DAPOs, which can be applied for by the police or directly by victims, offer longer-term protection and can impose wide-ranging conditions, including exclusion from a property or restrictions on contact.

These orders are civil in nature, but a breach of a DAPO is a criminal offence, ensuring enforceability and meaningful deterrence.

3. A Holistic Approach to Victim Protection

The Law is designed to work alongside support services and aims to improve multi-agency responses, facilitating better coordination between law enforcement, social services, health professionals, and the courts.

4. Children and Domestic Abuse

Critically, the Law acknowledges the impact of domestic abuse on children, who are often overlooked victims. Behaviour that harms or is likely to harm a child – whether directly or through witnessing abuse – is explicitly included within the legal definition.

Legal and Social Significance

The Domestic Abuse and Related Provisions Law marks a transformative shift in Guernsey’s legal landscape. It strengthens the protective framework available to victims and survivors, while also sending a clear message that domestic abuse in any form will not be tolerated.

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