Cheshire Police report success in tackling domestic abuse

2014 saw the introduction of new legislation which seeks to give additional protection against domestic abuse.

In addition to Clare’s Law, DVPNs (Domestic Violence Protection Notices and DVPOs (Domestic Violence Protection Orders also known as “Go-Orders) and) have been introduced

The new schemes allow the police to exclude a suspected domestic violence perpetrator from the family home and to prevent contact with the victim for up to 28 days without charges being brought. The aim is to offer immediate protection and “breathing space” to the victim to allow him or her to seek support and assess their options.

The DVPN is a notice given to the offender stopping them from doing anything to intimidate or harass the victim in any way and can include entering the home or making contact with the victim for 48 hours while an order is requested.  The DVPO then extends the ban for up to 28 days

The orders are only used when there is no opportunity to progress criminal proceedings. The priority for the police is to try and bring offenders to justice. However for a range of reasons in some case, this is not possible. It is in these cases that the provision of these Orders provide an opportunity to put in place immediate measures to safeguard the victim and any children involved.

In the two months since Cheshire Police started using the Scheme, 21 DVPOs have successfully been taken out,  4 of which were contested and 2 not granted at court.