New Protection Orders Deemed a Success in Pilot Phase
Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has announced that more than 1,000 victims have been safeguarded through the use of new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders tested over the past year. The pilot scheme, which began in November last year, is making a “real difference” according to the minister, ahead of a planned nationwide rollout.
How the New Orders Work
The orders provide courts with enhanced powers to impose necessary conditions on domestic abusers for whatever duration is required to protect victims. These provisions cover all forms of domestic abuse, including:
- Financial abuse
- Coercive control
- Stalking
- "Honour"-based violence
Under the new framework, offenders can be subjected to electronic monitoring or mandated to attend behavioural intervention programmes. Crucially, breaching an order is a criminal offence that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as confirmed by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice.
A Personal and Practical Commitment
Minister Jess Phillips, drawing on her own experience, stated, "I know from first-hand experience the devastating impact domestic abuse has on victims." She emphasised the practical nature of the intervention, adding, "But with more than 1,000 Domestic Abuse Protection Orders issued across England and Wales, we are taking real, practical steps to protect victims that really do make a difference."
The announcement comes at a critical time. Office for National Statistics figures indicate that approximately 3.8 million people in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones reinforced the government's stance, stating these orders are "the first and strongest of their kind" and that "victims need more than promises – they need real action."
Pilot Areas and Police Response
The pilot scheme has been operational in several areas, including:
- Greater Manchester
- The London boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, and Sutton
- Cleveland
- North Wales
The British Transport Police have also been utilising the new powers. Commander Clair Kelland, the Met Police's public protection lead, reported that the pilot is proving these powers are essential in preventing abuse from escalating. She confirmed that 180 orders have been issued and enforced within their pilot, helping to prevent repeat victimisation.
This initiative forms part of a broader government pledge to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade, although the full strategy to achieve this goal has yet to be published.
If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge's 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free on 0808 2000 247.
