Officers secure first charge under new Domestic Abuse Act legislation

A man from Tameside was charged overnight with a number of offences including non-fatal strangulation – a new offence under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which was introduced nationally on Tuesday (7 June 2022).

A man in his 30s has been charged with section 47 assault, non-fatal strangulation and harassment following an incident at an address in Dukinfield.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, from GMP’s head of public protection, said: “This new legislation only came in earlier this week and our officers have already secured our first charge under it which is another  step in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse.

“Allegedly strangling someone is incredibly dangerous and leaves victims fearing for their lives and we’re pleased that this has now been recognised and the legislation carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Even though it doesn’t always leave physical marks, this doesn’t detract from the serious nature of it.

“We are absolutely committed to investigating perpetrators and tackling violence against women and girls.”

More details on our plan to tackle violence against women and girls can be found here: violence-against-women-and-girls-plan-on-a-page.pdf (gmp.police.uk). For more details and information about domestic violence, visit: Advice about domestic abuse | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk).