MEASURES to protect victims of domestic violence are now in force across Cheshire, following a successful pilot in other areas of the country.
Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) allow police and magistrates to put in place measures to protect victims in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Wenham who is responsible for the launch in Cheshire said: “Domestic Violence is a heinous crime which leaves people living in fear in the one place that they should feel safe, their own home.
“This is an invaluable new tool for our officers as it allows them to act swiftly to protect those at risk of violence from their partner.
“The provision of a notice, followed by an order will afford the victim breathing space to seek support and assess their options. During this time we will talk to the victim about what is best for them and what they want to do.”
A Domestic Violence Protection Notice is given to someone when they have been arrested and the arresting officer feels there is a significant risk of harm to members of the household if they return home.
Once a notice has been issued, within 48 hours, an application must be made to a Magistrate for an order. They must contain a non-molestation condition which means that the offender cannot do anything to intimidate or harass the victim in any way and can also contain additional restrictions including stopping the offender from returning to the home for a period between 14 and 28 days. This gives the victim time to consider their options and get the support they need.
DCI Wenham added: “These new powers will give an arresting officer the ability to act to protect victims who they consider to be at risk of further abuse even when they may be too intimidated to make a complaint themselves.
“Intervention of this kind will not only be the first step to a better life for victims but could even save their lives in some cases.”
If you want more information on DVPN or DVPO, click here.
MEASURES to protect victims of domestic violence are now in force across
Cheshire, following a successful pilot in other areas of the country.
Domestic violence protection orders go live
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
