GMP secures first indefinite Domestic Abuse Protection Order – longest order in GM to date
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We’ve protected a victim with an indefinite Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) as part of the Home Office pilot.
This marks our longest DAPO secured to date and is the first police-led indefinite order since the pilot started in November 2024. The order was achieved by officers from our dedicated domestic abuse team in Bury and dedicated DAPO team.
Earlier this week, Gary Davies (07/02/1988) from Bolton, was recalled to prison until July 2026 for being in breach of his license conditions from a past conviction, after being handed an indefinite DAPO. If he breaches this protective order, he could face a subsequent lengthy prison term.
The indefinite order was additionally secured after the court heard Davies had a history of domestic offending against women dating back to 2013 which, we argued, emphasised the need for such a robust and durable order of protection.
In this case, Davies started exhibiting abusive behaviour just weeks into meeting. The victim came forward two weeks ago by initially reporting to us online that she was concerned about the way he was acting after their first argument, and that the relationship had moved extremely quickly.
Just as an officer from one of our specialist safeguarding units was due to see her to get a statement, the victim called 999 stating that Davies was angry with her and on his way to her address. Thankfully before he could come around, she was able to get to a place of safety at a friend’s house, as neighbours reported seeing a male, who we now know as Davies, banging aggressively on her flat door and shouting for her to let him in.
When speaking to officers, the victim provided evidence of Davies persistent harassment over text message and repeated unwanted phone calls, and concerns that he had been following and watching her, compelling her to install new locks and a Ring doorbell on her property. He had joined the same gym as her, which was a distance from his own home, aligning his visits to her previous routine, as well as lied about his name and date of birth, most likely to avoid her discovering his true self.
Davies was arrested on 13 August at Dover Docks in Kent trying to flee the country, after ANPR cameras picked up his vehicle and officers identified his as being wanted in connection with these offences.
Whilst the Crown Prosecution Service threshold for charging criminally could not be met, we were able to present a strong case to Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 August 2025 for a DAPO.
Upon his release from prison next year, this order will be robustly managed by officers on our Bury district to ensure that he is abiding by the terms, and that the victim feels confident to report any breaches should they occur.
Detective Superintendent Jen Tattersall, GMP’s lead for domestic abuse, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work of our officers and staff to secure this indefinite DAPO, recognising Davies history of abusive behaviour and the threat he poses to women. I hope this order allows the victim to move on without fear of further harm.
“I’m also confident that this victim’s bravery in coming forward when she did, and the investigation which followed, has prevented Davies behaviour from escalating and her being subjected to further abuse.”
The introduction of the Home Office’s Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) pilot in November 2024 has given us increased tools to protect more victims of domestic abuse, with greater powers to punish those who breach the orders.
The pilot is currently live in four Greater Manchester districts – Bury, Manchester, Tameside and Wigan – with plans to widen this rollout later this year.
We have successfully applied for more than 300 DAPOs which is helping us to ensure survivors are much safer from harm without them needing to go through the court process themselves.
DSU Tattersall continued: “In just nine months of the DAPO pilot, we have been able to protect so many more women and men who have fallen victim to abuse and had greater powers to punish those who breach the orders.
“Perpetrators should let this serve as a warning that we are being robust with the action we are taking.”
Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women & Girls Jess Phillips said: “I want to thank the dedication of Greater Manchester Police in securing their first indefinite Domestic Abuse Protection Order.
“It is a powerful step forward in our mission to halve violence against women and girls – showing that abuse will be met with serious consequences and that victims will be supported every step of the way."
We know not all violence against women and girls starts as physical abuse, and instances can be unreported as victims may not initially recognise the harm they face.
We have supported the recent launch of the Mayor’s latest campaign to tackle gender-based violence in GM, with a focus on coercive and controlling behaviour.
More information on the #IsThisOk: This is not a Game, Boy campaign can be found here: #IsThisOk?
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “It is vital that victims of domestic abuse are fully supported to find help in Greater Manchester, and DAPOs have had a very positive impact in ensuring they do.
“These orders are designed to stop abusers who pose the greatest threat from persisting in their unacceptable behaviour and allow victims to get on with their lives without fear. As well as impacting those receiving these orders, I hope they are sending a clear message to other perpetrators that we will use all means at our disposal to target them.
“This is part of a range of work we are doing across Greater Manchester with partners to protect people against all forms of Gender-Based Violence and we are proud of the work GMP is doing in this area.”
Report and support
We encourage any victim of domestic abuse to come forward to us, by calling 101, reporting on our website, or using our Live Chat service. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Whether you choose to report to police, or not, please know that support is out there. You can contact the below local support organisations who will help you.
Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.
Includes information on local help all over Greater Manchester.