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Posted by Editor on 10th October 2011 at 04:42 PM
Salford pilots new powers to protect victims of domestic abuse
Salford communities are the next in line to pilot new police powers to protect victims of domestic abuse by removing violent partners from the family home.

From today (10th October 2011) the pilot has been extended to Salford and Bolton following the successful launch in parts of Manchester and Oldham in June. Since then, 23 Orders have been served on abusers, allowing victims time to re-build their lives.

Greater Manchester Police, together with West Mercia and Wiltshire Police, were chosen to run a 12-month pilot that gives police new powers to give victims of domestic abuse the time, space and support to plan a safer future, by keeping the perpetrator away.

The Domestic Violence Protection Orders – also known as “go orders” – will give victims of domestic abuse the time, space and support to plan a safer future, by keeping the perpetrator away. Senior police officers in Salford will be able to act instantly to safeguard families they consider a threat. The Orders will be used to intervene in cases where police are worried about violent behaviour within a household, but do not have enough evidence to bring a criminal charge.

Detective Inspector Nicola Fagan from GMP’s Salford division said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe 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 stop the harmful behaviour of domestic abuse. Victims of abuse often have to flee their own homes - sometimes taking their children with them - causing them even more distress, while their abusers are able to remain in the comfort of their homes. I am confident these orders will help us turn this situation on its head and put more power into the hands of victims.

“Some of the victims who have already benefited from the Orders in other parts of Greater Manchester have told us how they have managed to do things they hadn’t been able to do previously because of their abuser, including sleeping for up to 12 hours at night despite months of insomnia, simple things like house work and even enrolled on college courses.

"Nobody living in Salford should have to put up with domestic abuse, and we hope these orders will help victims living in our communities to regain control of their lives and move forwards to secure a safer, happier future."

Under the present law, only those arrested and charged with an offence can be barred from their home, through bail conditions or by the victim seeking an order in the civil courts. The new measures will give police the power to ban violent abusers from their homes for between 14 and 28 days, allowing the victims to stay in their own homes rather than flee to a friend's home, or a refuge, to escape their abuser. This will give them vital respite and give them time to consider their options. If abusers breach the Order it could then lead to a prison sentence.

As part of the scheme, victims will also be offered help and advice by caseworkers on the options open to them if they left the relationship – including securing a longer-term injunction. Abusers will also be given the chance to attend an offenders programme run by the Greater Manchester Probation Service, helping to nip abusive behaviour in the bud and prevent any future incidents.

If domestic abuse is happening to you, or someone you know, please call the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 for help and advice.

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