North Wales Police: Tackling Domestic Violence
New powers which give victims of domestic abuse more time to consider their options are being used by North Wales Police.
In the first week since using the Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Protection Orders (DVPO), three have been granted by Magistrates in the area.
The use of the DVPN and DVPO’s by NWP began on Monday, June 30, following a successful national pilot of the scheme.
The new legislation can be utilised if a domestic incident occurs and violence has been used or threatened by someone over 18 and the level of the violence causes the police officer to fear for the on-going safety of the victim.
The notice is the first stage of this process and lasts for 48 hours. It is authorised by a police Superintendent or above and it tells the person involved of restrictions that are being placed on them by police which could include not allowing them to contact the victim in any way and can also include banning them from entering the home or evicting the victim from a home.
If someone breaches a notice they will be subject to immediate arrest and can then be remanded in custody to appear before a court for a full order to be considered. A breach of an order can lead to a maximum fine of £5,000 or a two month prison sentence.
Detective Superintendent Jo Ramessur-Williams, Head of the North Wales Public Protection Unit said: “This is really positive use of this new legislation. Previously we would have had very limited opportunities to take a pro-active stance.
“Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) and Orders (DVPO) provide our officers and the courts with new powers allowing us to act swiftly to protect those at risk of violence from their partner or family member. The provision of a Notice, followed by a successful application for a court order will give the victim the necessary breathing space to consider their options and seek support.
“During this time we will work closely with other agencies and talk to the victim about what is best for them and what they want to do.”
The notice usually comes into effect when an arrested person is released from custody, if they are given a caution, unconditionally bailed or where no further criminal action is taken against them. The victim and offender will also be informed that the police will be seeking a full Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) and they will arrange for a Magistrates court to hear the application within 48 hours. If they elect not to attend it is likely that the case will be heard in their absence.
The DVPO is then considered by a magistrates’ court and if an order is granted restrictions on the perpetrator will remain in place for a period of 14 to 28 days as directed by the magistrate, allowing the victim time and space to consider their options, with the help of support agencies.
To date, three DVP Notices have been authorised by Magistrates in North Wales with all granted a 28 day protection orders by the courts.
Det Supt Ramessur-Williams added: “The whole essence of this new legislation is to reduce risk to victims of domestic abuse and I believe this legislation used early will help make a difference. This supports our force vision of making North Wales a safer place.”
Detective Sergeant Jim Smith 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 and are seen as an important addition in the early safeguarding of victims and their children.
“The granting of these orders sends a clear message that we will not tolerate domestic abuse and that by supporting victims and working with our partners we will make North Wales a Safer Place”.
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