Electronic monitoring of domestic abuse perpetrators on licence: process and interim impact evaluation
This report presents the process and interim impact evaluation of the domestic abuse perpetrators on licence pilot tagging scheme, which is live in eight probation regions.
Applies to England and Wales
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The Domestic Abuse Perpetrators on Licence (DAPOL) scheme was launched in August 2023 in the East Midlands and the West Midlands. Following a period of monitoring and evaluation, it was further rolled out across 6 more probation regions in England and Wales in May 2024. These were the East of England; Kent, Surrey and Sussex; London; South Central; South West; and Wales.
DAPOL requires adult offenders at risk of committing domestic abuse to wear an electronic tag upon leaving prison, if deemed necessary and proportionate as part of the formal licence planning process. The scheme aims to strengthen offender management, help victims feel safe following the release of the abuser, and help prevent further offending.
This report presents findings from the process evaluation conducted during DAPOL’s expansion (May 2024 to early 2025). The interim impact evaluation uses data from the schemes initial roll-out (August 2023) until February 2025. The findings can be used to further understand: the use of the scheme including challenges and benefits; changes to perceived compliance and recidivism; and the victim-survivors experience, including support received. This is prior to an assessment of the impacts.