A year in review: GMP’s response to tackling domestic abuse

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has made considerable progress in addressing domestic abuse across Greater Manchester, highlighting notable achievements throughout 2023.

Over the year (2023), GMP handled over 67,500 reports of domestic abuse and saw a 21% increase in arrests compared to the previous year (2022), highlighting a strong commitment to responding seriously and effectively to all cases of domestic abuse.

The force also solved 12.4% more domestic abuse related crimes in 2023 compared to the previous year, further solidifying the commitment to tackling domestic abuse. This increase is also due to improved crime detection and focused efforts in detaining suspects and offenders posing a threat to public safety.

Additionally, 853 Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) were issued ensuring a proactive approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO’s) are aimed at domestic abuse perpetrators (aged 18 or over) who present an on-going risk of violence to the victim with the objective of securing a co-ordinated approach across support agencies and the police.

DVPOs, introduced by the Crime and Security Act 2010, aim to provide immediate protection for victims in the aftermath of a domestic violence incident. Perpetrators can be prevented from returning to a residence and having contact with the victim for up to 28 days, allowing the victim time to consider options with the help of a support agency.

Furthermore, GMP is one of three police forces piloting new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders (DAPN/O) starting June 2024. These measures will offer flexible, longer-term protection for victims and enhanced measures against offenders, addressing various forms of domestic abuse including forms that do not involve violence.

GMP's innovative use of the AtHoc Platform also gained national recognition, earning officers the prestigious Public Safety Award at the CIR Risk Management awards. The Geo Alerts system notifies officers of DVPOs near their patrol location, resulting in numerous arrests for order breaches throughout 2023. Plans are now underway to expand its implementation across the Specialist Operations branch for wider DVPO checks across Greater Manchester in 2024.

Furthermore, GMP is pioneering a new software called WeProtect which is currently being trialled in districts across Greater Manchester, ensuring instant victim referral for police forces and frontline service providers.

Collaborating with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), GMP continues its independent Domestic Abuse Satisfaction surveys, providing valuable insights through monthly feedback. Victim Service Coordinators conduct District-based Victim Focus Groups and one-on-one sessions with DA service providers, presenting feedback to District and local DA Partnership Boards.

GMP also saw an increase in officers registering and becoming domestic abuse champions. In total, there are over 100 champions based across the force. These champions receive ongoing training to offer compassionate support, ensuring victims of various domestic abuse crimes receive a positive service when reporting a crime.

Finally, this month (January 2024), GMP in collaboration with His Majesties Courts & Tribunals Service, announced additional remand courts in Wigan and Stockport were opening, increasing domestic violence remand capacity by 20 slots per day. This will mean more cases can be dealt with by the court efficiently, ensuring justice and safeguarding for victims quicker.

 

Superintendent Toby Facey, GMP’s lead on Domestic Abuse and Adults at Risk said: "In our ongoing efforts to address domestic abuse, 2023 highlights the significant progress being made across the force. Every call answered, each report logged, every DVPO issued, arrest, charge and sentence not only demonstrate our commitment to improving protection and support for victims of domestic abuse, but also show the impact we are having by removing dangerous individuals from our communities. Of course, our work doesn't stop here; throughout 2024, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure an effective response to domestic abuse and safeguarding victims and survivors. It's crucial that victims and survivors feel safe, heard, and receive the resources they need for legal proceedings and rebuilding their lives. GMP remains dedicated to collaborating with partners, local authorities, and organisations across the force, striving to collectively make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse in Greater Manchester."

 

Report and Support

If you or someone you know are a victim or survivor 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.

Please visit our support page for more details.