ALMOST all court orders to protect victims of domestic violence in North Yorkshire have been granted to North Yorkshire Police.

Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), were introduced in 2014 to force a violent individual away from the victim, initially for 48 hours.

Police use that period to look at how best to support the victim - who does not have to give consent for the notices or orders - and DVPOs can prohibit the movement of the offender for up to 28 days. Any breach of either order could result in the arrest of the offender, and up to two months in prison.

North Yorkshire Police revealed yesterday that 96 per cent of all DVPNs and DVPOs they requested from the courts had been granted.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder from the force’s safeguarding unit, said: “DVPNs and DVPOs are critical pieces of legislation that enable police to take immediate and vital safeguarding steps to protect vulnerable victims of domestic abuse.

York Press:

"They provide some safe breathing space where the victim can engage with support services and be assisted in making key decisions about their future. The DVPN and DVPO process runs alongside any criminal proceedings that are being taken against the offender, but provides instant protection to victims to take them out of the risk of harm.”

Karen Hill, director of the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), said: “DVPN/Os are a really useful protection for victims. The police are able to take this course of action without consent, therefore reducing the responsibility, fear, blame and possibility of repercussions for the victim. It also allows time for agencies like IDAS to offer victims support and information which can prove to be a lifeline.”

lIDAS's 24-hour hotline is on 03000 110 110.