Safeguarding specialists meet Minister following successful start to domestic abuse pilot in GM

We welcomed the Safeguarding Minister to Greater Manchester yesterday to meet specialists in our domestic abuse team who have led the way in protecting victims from harm thanks to the introduction of a Home Office pilot.

Our officers discussed with Jess Phillips MP how we’re protecting victims of domestic abuse better than before thanks to the use of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), with almost 60 orders already granted by courts in GM since its launch three months ago.

This includes coercive and controlling abuser Christopher David Cullen (16/01/1989), from Bury, who only yesterday (25 February), was jailed for more than two years for his crimes, given a four-year DAPO, and must additionally submit to electronic monitoring for a period of 12 months beginning at the time of his release from custody.

DAPOs are being used to protect victims from all types of domestic abuse offences, whether that be physical, sexual, or coercive and controlling behaviour. They are already having an impact in our pilot areas of Manchester, Bury, and Wigan.

They can be granted for any length of time, may require ‘positive requirements’ for perpetrators such as electronic monitoring or attendance at a behaviour change programme, and any breach is an arrestable criminal offence.

One key benefit for victims is that DAPO applications do not require a victim to attend or provide evidence at court. Police work with local partners to compile all necessary information for the courts to authorise the sought-after orders.

Just last week, a further four 12-month orders were secured by the DAPO team across our pilot areas, with the victim-focussed applications being tailor-made to fully serve and protect the people at the heart of them.

Our officers are working hard to ensuring these lifechanging orders are reaching victims who may otherwise have not been protected. We are potentially stopping offenders from going on to seriously, or perhaps even fatally, harm someone.

Some recent examples of our DAPOs include:

• A man in Manchester was given a one-year DAPO after arriving at a woman’s address under the influence of alcohol, before becoming abusive and slapping her around her face.

• A three-month DAPO was originally sought for a man who had harassed members of his family for a number of years, including physical and mental abuse. Following a discussion between the DAPO team and family, this was extended to a year, as it was determined that a lengthier order would be beneficial.

• A month order was given to a man following a verbal argument, in which it is alleged that the suspect placed his hand around the victim’s neck with some force. While the victim stated it did not restrict her breathing, he felt the suspect had done it to instil control over him.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women & Girls Jess Phillips said: "To see these new orders in use and protecting people is really important – in the short time since they were launched, they have already provided greater safety for victims and more robust management for perpetrators of domestic abuse.

"We welcome the work that has been delivered so far by all of the forces involved, particularly in pursuing breaches of these orders which is incredibly important to build victim confidence.

"We will continue working with the police and other partners to put victims at the heart of our work. We will make sure they receive the best protections possible, part of our ambitious mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade."

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker is our lead for public protection and vulnerability. She said: “DAPOs are continuing to make a huge difference in the lives of victims across Greater Manchester, ensuring they get the necessary protection and support following abuse suffered by family members or partners.

“These orders can benefit people in multiple ways and any suspect found to breach one can be arrested. The introduction of DAPOs is enhancing our officers ability to protect victims, and importantly it is empowering victims to come forward to support meaningful action.

“I would like to say to victims of domestic abuse that their reports will be taken seriously, and officers will do all they can to investigate the claims they make, with a view to providing the best possible safeguarding. Even if you are not directly involved – DAPOs can still be granted through the intervention of a third party.”