First Domestic Violence Protection Order granted in Telford
The first Domestic Violence Protection Order ever granted in Telford has been put in place at Telford Magistrates Court this morning.
The order was granted today against a 40-year-old St Georges man and runs for 28 days. The order has been granted as a result of a series alleged domestic violence incidents that have occurred over a long period of time.
At court the 40-year-old man was ordered to pay £500 costs - as he had unsuccessfully contested the order - and each breach of the order will now result in him receiving a £50 fine.
He could also be sent to prison for each breach and will be put before the court each time a breach occurs.
Included under the terms of the order the man is not allowed to enter St Georges and also that he cannot contact a specific woman in her 40s who is connected to the alleged domestic violence incidents.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders build 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.
West Mercia Police recently ran a pilot period from 1 July 2011 to 25 June 2012 and during that period 33 of the 34 Domestic Violence Protection Orders applied for were granted at court.
Speaking about their use, Temporary Detective Inspector Helen Gordos - from the Public Protection Unit at Malinsgate Police Station said:
"Domestic Violence Protection Orders 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."
