Domestic Violence Police Pilot Scheme

GREATER Manchester Police will be launching new police powers to protect victims of domestic abuse by banning violent partners from the family home. This will be start from 30 June.

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.

Together with West Mercia and Wiltshire Police, GMP has been chosen to run a twelve 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 abuser away.

The Domestic Violence Protection Orders – also known as ‘go orders’ - will allow senior police officers on three of GMP’s divisions, South Manchester, the Metropolitan and Oldham, 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, even if they do not have enough evidence to bring about a criminal charge.

Under the present law, only those arrested and charged with an offence can be barred from their home, either 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.

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.