A pilot scheme helping domestic violence victims to get away from their attackers has been praised by a senior policeman.
Detective superintendent Philip Owen of Greater Manchester Police explained that the magistrate-granted Domestic Violence Protection Orders can order abusers to stay away from their victims for up to 28 days, or else face a six-week prison sentence.
He said: "Under this pilot, the perpetrator is the one who has to move out of the home and who is held to account, allowing the victims to stay in their own homes rather than flee to a friend's home, or a refuge, to escape the abuser."
While the DVPO scheme is currently only being trialled by police forces in Greater Manchester, West Mercia and Wiltshire, Guildford solicitors could soon find themselves dealing with the legislation if the government opts to roll out the initiative across the country.
Indeed, Surrey Police recently warned the public about a predicted spike in domestic violence in the region over the festive season, according to Eagle Radio. It reported that 687 incidents were recorded between December 17th 2010 - January 4th 2011.
Temporary detective superintendent Dave Brookes labelled it "distressing" that his team can predict with some degree of certainty that there will be new victims of domestic abuse by the turn of the New Year.
