First Domestic Violence Protection Order Granted In South Worcs

The first Domestic Violence Protection Order nationally has been granted at Worcester Magistrates Court today (Tues 5 July).

West Mercia Police launched the pilot project on Friday 1 July and is using the protection orders and notices in South Worcestershire Territorial Policing Unit with a view to rolling it out to the rest of the force areas in the future.

The new process builds on existing police measures, providing immediate emergency protection for a victim, giving protected space for them to explore the options available to them and make informed decisions regarding their safety.

The notice can be authorised by an officer of Superintendent rank or above and the case will be presented before magistrates within 48 hours of it being served. If magistrates decide to authorise a DVPO the order can last between 14 and 28 days.

The first DVPO was granted today against a Droitwich man aged in his 50s. The order runs for 28 days and is a result of an alleged domestic violence incident on Saturday 2 July in the Droitwich area.

Detective Sergeant Sharon Avery, who is co-ordinating the pilot project for West Mercia Police, explained: "DVPOs are an emergency measure to protect victims and our officers are being encouraged to use the new orders and notices as and when appropriate. The man was given conditions by the court today which mean he should not enter a particular address and not communicate with a particular person."    

Once a DVPN/O has been issued the police will then refer the victim to Victim Support. Victim Support will then contact the victim to conduct a needs assessment to see what help and support they require. Where specific needs are identified they will put them in touch with an independent domestic violence adviser from Women's Aid. Last year nearly 3,000 victims of domestic violence were referred to the charity in West Mercia.

The pilot project in West Mercia will last 12 months and be assessed by the Home Office. Police in Wiltshire and Greater Manchester are also trialling the DVPOs and DVPNs. 

• In an emergency call 999.
• Incidents can also be reported by calling West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.
• For confidential free advice and help, call the Worcestershire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 980 3331 or visit http://www.westmercia.police.uk/cms/tiny_mce/plugins/www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wfada.
• For more information on DVPN/Os visit www.homeoffice.gov.uk/vawg
• For Victim Support's Victim Care Unit call 0300 303 1977

Issued on Tuesday 5 July 2011