Related News
-
Greater Manchester Police launch scheme to tackle domestic abuse - 02/07/12 -
Manchester cops give Euro 2012 domestic violence the red card - 08/06/12 -
Greater Manchester Police receive further complaints in Altrincham school abuse probe - 12/12/12 -
Greater Manchester Police iPhone app helps locals fight crime - 22/01/13 -
Man arrested following historic sexual abuse probe at Greater Manchester school - 05/12/12
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have launched a scheme to tackle domestic abuse.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO), which came into effect today, grant police the power to remove violent partners from their family homes.
GMP have been piloting the scheme over the past year, in conjunction with West Mercia and Wiltshire Police, across North and South Manchester, Oldham, Salford and Bolton.
The venture aims to give victims of domestic abuse the time, space and support to plan a safer future by keeping the perpetrator away for up to 28 days. It will be piloted across the rest of the Force for another 12 months.
DVPOs enable senior officers to act swiftly to tackle domestic violence, enabling them to intervene in cases where they believe a victim may be at risk, but do not have enough evidence to bring a criminal charge.
Within 48 hours of a DVPO being issued, a court hearing with take place to determine the length of the order.
Victims will also receive support from case workers, who will advise them on the options open to them, such as appealing for a permanent injunction.
Abusers will have the option to attend a voluntary offenders’ programme run by the Greater Manchester Probation Service Trust, where appropriate.
Detective Superintendent Phil Owen of Greater Manchester Police said: “We have been very pleased to be one of the Force areas chosen to pilot the Domestic Violence Protection Orders.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe in in their homes and have a future without fear and these new powers will help save lives by reducing harm within the home. Nationally two women a week die due to domestic abuse and our aim is to reduce the harm caused by Domestic Abuse and help victims regain control of their lives and move forwards to secure a safer, happier future.”
Before the new powers were introduced, only those arrested and charged with an offence could be barred from their home, either through bail conditions or by the victim seeking an order in the civil courts.
During the first 12 months of the pilot, 184 DVPOs have been issued across the pilot areas.
