Domestic abuse pilot scheme 'saved woman's life'

A domestic abuse victim said a new type of order designed to protect victims from violent partners may have saved her life.

Anne, which is not the woman's real name, said she had suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her partner.

But he was then made subject of a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)as part of a pilot in Bury, Wigan and Manchester.

The orders can run for any length of time and those who breach them can face up to five years in prison.

About 60 DAPOs have been issued across the three pilot areas since November.

A DAPO can be granted for any length of time and can be enforced by police, a third party or even victims themselves without the need to attend court.

Anne said she would often have bruises on her arms and her hair would be pulled.

She said: "As the relationship went on, it got more and more degrading, more abusive.

"The police officers said we are going to be carrying you out."

Her partner would be arrested, but then Anne would drop the charges.

He later received a DAPO order from Greater Manchester Police.

Det Supt Keith Galley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "As long as we can ensure there has been some kind of abuse, even if it is physical or mental in that relationship then we can apply for these orders, and it really opens up the scope of which victims we can help now."

Anne said she was "getting there slowly but surely".

"I think there are still going to be hurdles but I know I have got the DAPO team and support of my friends to get me through it," she added.

The Home Office said it would be monitoring the progress of the pilot scheme.

• If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, help and support is available via BBC Action Line.

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