AS DOMESTIC Abuse Awareness Week gets in to full swing in Swindon and Wiltshire, new figures show that 10 perpetrators were handed so-called “Go orders” by magistrates last month.

That brings to 65 the number of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) granted to Wiltshire Police since the force embarked on a year-long Home Office pilot in July.

Officers applied in court for a total of 12 DVPOs during October. All but two were granted.

Most activity last month was in North West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court in Chippenham, where six DVPOs were approved and one refused.

The pilot is designed to protect victims in the short term and give them the breathing space to consider their next steps, including pursuing longer-term protection through an application for a civil injunction.

A police officer who responds to a domestic abuse incident can apply to a superintendent for a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) when there is not enough evidence to bring a criminal charge but there is concern that someone is at risk.

A DVPN will only be authorised if a superintendent is satisfied that a victim has suffered violence or is at risk.

Once a DVPN is issued it must be brought before magistrates within 48 hours.

Magistrates must be satisfied before approving a police request for a DVPO that the perpetrator has used violence, or the threat of violence, against the victim.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Lisette Harvey, pictured right, the force lead on domestic abuse, said: “We know that domestic abuse has the highest repeat victimisation rate of any crime we deal with. We also believe that as few as one in five incidents of domestic abuse are reported to us.

“That is why we are working so closely with our partners in the Community Safety Partnerships, the courts and the charity sector to send a clear message that reverting to violence or abuse to address problems or frustrations is not acceptable behaviour, and that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

“We are getting very positive feedback from victims who have been helped by the process.

“One woman told us her partner’s behaviour is calmer.

“She believes the DVPO shook him up and made him realise he could no longer behave the way he did.

“Two victims told us that their partners had referred themselves to a help group. Others have said that their partners have been to see their GPs to seek help.

“One victim told us she was very grateful for the police intervention and support and that her partner had realised what he could lose if they separated. “