Civil orders help protect domestic abuse victims from further harm

Civil orders are helping us to protect domestic abuse victims from further harm.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) and Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) were rolled out across all 43 police forces in 2014. 

They are civil orders that provide immediate protection for domestic abuse victims in the aftermath of an incident where there is insufficient evidence to charge the perpetrator. 

Once issued, the orders can ban perpetrators from returning to a residence and prohibit any form of contact with the victim for up to 28 days. 

The orders are proactively monitored by police officers who will arrest perpetrators if they are found to have breached their order and put them before a court. 

Punishments for breaching an order include custodial prison sentences and fines. 

So far this year, Durham Constabulary have made 247 DVPN applications, with magistrates granting 221 DVPOs at court.

Officers also arrested 62 perpetrators for breaching their DVPN/O in the same time period, with 10 custodial sentences given.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Crowe, the force’s lead for violence against women and girls, said: “DVPOs and DVPNs are a hugely important tool for us which have the potential to save lives.

“They give victims immediate protection while also giving them the space to think and consider their options without the influence of a perpetrator, and with the support of specially trained experts. 

“Where there is insufficient evidence to charge a perpetrator with any offences, we do not simply close the case – we actively push for these civil orders to safeguard vulnerable people. 

“Domestic abuse in any form is unacceptable – everyone deserves to feel safe; nobody should have to suffer at the hands of another. 

“Our role as police officers is to protect vulnerable people and help keep them safe from harm, and we will use all powers available to us to do this.”

If you are suffering domestic abuse, please know you are not alone – there are people who can and will help you. 

Call 101, or 999 if you are in immediate danger. 

Reports can also be made online at www.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/ 

If you don’t want to speak to the police, there are other helplines available: 

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.
• The local service, Harbour, is also available 24 hours a day on 03000 20 25 25. 

The above services support both men and women.