01/07/2005
Powers of arrest extended to cover domestic violence
A crucial new power of arrest to help police protect victims of domestic violence was announced today by Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson.
The changes in law will mean that police no longer need a warrant to arrest someone committing the offence of common assault.
Outlining the new powers, Mr Hanson said: “Until now, police have often been powerless to remove an alleged perpetrator from the scene of an incident.
“Consequently, the victim was time and again left to face their alleged abuser after the police left. Now the police have an unequivocal power to arrest anybody accused of these offences, enabling them to remove of the alleged perpetrator from the scene.
“This new power of arrest for common assault is an important measure to help protect the victims of domestic violence and sends out a strong message to perpetrators that their actions will not be tolerated.”
The new power is the latest provision from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act to commence in Northern Ireland.
Although primarily an Act for England and Wales, a number of its provisions will apply in Northern Ireland.
(MB/SP)
The changes in law will mean that police no longer need a warrant to arrest someone committing the offence of common assault.
Outlining the new powers, Mr Hanson said: “Until now, police have often been powerless to remove an alleged perpetrator from the scene of an incident.
“Consequently, the victim was time and again left to face their alleged abuser after the police left. Now the police have an unequivocal power to arrest anybody accused of these offences, enabling them to remove of the alleged perpetrator from the scene.
“This new power of arrest for common assault is an important measure to help protect the victims of domestic violence and sends out a strong message to perpetrators that their actions will not be tolerated.”
The new power is the latest provision from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act to commence in Northern Ireland.
Although primarily an Act for England and Wales, a number of its provisions will apply in Northern Ireland.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.