Two men charged as Wigan marks one year of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders

Wigan is marking one year since Domestic Abuse Protection Orders were introduced locally, with officers already taking action against people who break the rules designed to protect victims.

The orders, known as DAPOs, were rolled out across Greater Manchester in November 2024. They are used to give victims and survivors of domestic abuse greater protection by restricting offenders from contacting or intimidating them, entering certain areas, or behaving in a threatening way. In many cases, the orders also require offenders to take part in programmes aimed at changing their behaviour, such as treatment for alcohol misuse or rehabilitation courses.

In recent days, officers in Wigan have secured charges against two men for breaching the conditions of their orders.

Declan Gorman, 21, of Saddleback Crescent, Wigan, was issued with a DAPO in February 2025. One of the conditions required him to attend a behavioural change programme, but officers were alerted after he missed four sessions without a valid reason. He was arrested at his home on Tuesday 6 January and later appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to breaching his order.

In a separate case, neighbourhood officers on patrol in the Scholes area of Wigan on Monday 5 January spotted two people at Derby House. After making checks, officers identified one of them as Damien Williams, 31, of Railway Road, Leigh, who was in breach of his DAPO. Further enquiries showed he was also wanted for a previous breach. Williams was arrested, charged with two breaches and appeared at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 8 January, where he pleaded guilty and was fined.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bell, lead for vulnerability in Wigan, said: “Our officers are taking a proactive and positive approach to anyone who breaches their Domestic Abuse Protection Order.

“Every arrest made sends a clear message that these orders are in place to safeguard victims across Greater Manchester, and we will act decisively and effectively to enforce the DAPOs.

“By pursuing robust action against offenders, we are breaking the cycles of abuse and giving confidence to victims that their safety is our priority, and breaches will not be tolerated.”

Local teams say the cases highlight how seriously the orders are being enforced in Wigan, with officers acting quickly when conditions are ignored.