30/06/2011
New Domestic Violence Power Launched
Police will be able to prevent suspected domestic abusers from returning to a victim’s home, under a pilot scheme launched by the Home Office today.
Greater Manchester, West Mercia and Wiltshire police will run the 12 month trial which gives officers the power to stop perpetrators from contacting victims or returning to their home.
Currently victims of domestic violence only receive immediate protection if the police arrest and charge a perpetrator, and appropriate bail conditions are set or if a civil injunction is sought by the victim. If this does not happen, the only option for victims may be to escape to temporary accommodation.
But the new scheme provides protection in the immediate aftermath.
A notice can be issued on the spot by police which can stop the perpetrator returning to the home. This gives police time to make a formal application to the magistrates' court for the protection order itself. This can last from a minimum of 14 days up to a maximum of 28.
Minister for Equalities, Lynne Featherstone, said: “Domestic violence is an appalling crime which sees two women a week die at the hands of their partner or ex-partners, while millions more suffer years of abuse in their own homes.
“This pilot scheme is designed to protect victims in the short term and give them the breathing space to consider their next steps, including longer term protection through a civil injunction application.”
Domestic violence is a widespread problem and comprised 14 percent of all violent incidences reported in the British Crime Survey last year.
This pilot is just one of the ways in which the government is tackling the issue of domestic violence, as part of its violence against women and girls action plan.
As part of the plan there is a commitment to provide more than £28m of Home Office funding over the next four years for local specialist services to support victims.
This includes £3.3m of funding per year for independent domestic violence advisers, and £900,000 per year for national helplines to support victims of domestic violence.
(BMcN/GK)
Greater Manchester, West Mercia and Wiltshire police will run the 12 month trial which gives officers the power to stop perpetrators from contacting victims or returning to their home.
Currently victims of domestic violence only receive immediate protection if the police arrest and charge a perpetrator, and appropriate bail conditions are set or if a civil injunction is sought by the victim. If this does not happen, the only option for victims may be to escape to temporary accommodation.
But the new scheme provides protection in the immediate aftermath.
A notice can be issued on the spot by police which can stop the perpetrator returning to the home. This gives police time to make a formal application to the magistrates' court for the protection order itself. This can last from a minimum of 14 days up to a maximum of 28.
Minister for Equalities, Lynne Featherstone, said: “Domestic violence is an appalling crime which sees two women a week die at the hands of their partner or ex-partners, while millions more suffer years of abuse in their own homes.
“This pilot scheme is designed to protect victims in the short term and give them the breathing space to consider their next steps, including longer term protection through a civil injunction application.”
Domestic violence is a widespread problem and comprised 14 percent of all violent incidences reported in the British Crime Survey last year.
This pilot is just one of the ways in which the government is tackling the issue of domestic violence, as part of its violence against women and girls action plan.
As part of the plan there is a commitment to provide more than £28m of Home Office funding over the next four years for local specialist services to support victims.
This includes £3.3m of funding per year for independent domestic violence advisers, and £900,000 per year for national helplines to support victims of domestic violence.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2009
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
27 October 2004
Reform of domestic violence law promises 'tough powers' for police
The domestic violence law will be overhauled to give tough powers to the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers, the government has pledged.
Reform of domestic violence law promises 'tough powers' for police
The domestic violence law will be overhauled to give tough powers to the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers, the government has pledged.
14 February 2006
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
29 September 2009
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
20 October 2008
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.