Greater Manchester Police's commitment to tackling domestic abuse highlights 66 percent increase in arrests over last 12 months

Over the last 12 months (June 2022 to June 2023), GMP has seen a significant and positive shift in its response to tackling domestic abuse across Greater Manchester.

In the last year, GMP has recorded over 20,000 domestic abuse related arrests for physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse crimes, plus stalking, harassment, and honour-based violence. This is a 66.2% increase when compared to the previous year (June 2021 to June 2022).

GMP has also seen a 46.8% increase in the number of people who are being charged and remanded with the last 12 months seeing 3,270 people being taken to court to face justice.

There are also several other measures which police across the UK can use to better protect victims of domestic abuse, such as Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders (DVPN/DVPO).

Overall, GMP issued 43.6% more DVPNs and granted and enforced 34.6% more DVPOs in the last 12 months compared to June 2021/22.

A Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) is the initial notice of immediate emergency protection that is issued by a police force. Officers can serve a DVPN on any individual aged over 18 who they believe has been violent or threatened violence against another person and the victim requires protection.

The law allows the police to serve a DVPN on a perpetrator even if the victim does not agree to it. It places conditions on a perpetrator which may include stopping a person from entering, and being within a certain distance, of the victim's home, stopping them from making the other person leave, or excluding them from their home requiring them to leave the victim's home.

Once a DVPN has been served by the police it must be presented to a magistrates’ court within 48 hours. If the magistrates agree, the prohibitions stated within the notice can continue for between 14 to 28 days in the form of a DVPO.

All the evidence will be heard at court and the perpetrator will be given the opportunity to ask questions and give evidence.

The court will then decide whether to make a DVPO. If a DVPO is made, it will last for a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 28 days.

Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, GMP’s Lead for Domestic Abuse said: “Over the past year, Greater Manchester Police has witnessed a remarkable transformation in our response to Domestic Abuse.

“With unwavering determination, we stand beside the 20,000 victims affected by Domestic Violence and related offences. By embracing Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders, we offer immediate refuge and respite to those in need.

“As part of our commitment to relentlessly pursue offenders, we’ve increased arrests by a staggering 66.2% and charges and remands by 46.8%, ensuring justice prevails and the voices of victims are heard.

"By no means is this the end of our journey, and we will continue to do everything we can to tackle domestic abuse perpetrators and better support victims and survivors of domestic abuse."

Report & Support

If you or someone you know are a victim or suvivor of domestic abuse, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you:

Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline 
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.

End the Fear 
Includes information on local help all over Greater Manchester.

Wigan and Leigh Dias drop-in centre
works with women and men who are experiencing or recovering from domestic violence and abusive relationships and helps them to regain control of the situation.

More support organisations can be found here.