Pilot scheme to help domestic abuse victims on its way to the borough

A pilot scheme to safeguard victims of domestic abuse and allowing greater punishments for perpetrators is set to be rolled out across Oldham.

The Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)  is currently expanding to the City of Manchester, with 45 orders already granted in Greater Manchester. The exact date for Oldham has not yet been confirmed. 

 After 12 weeks in Bury, and six weeks in Wigan, officers have secured a total of 45 orders, with a further five applications in progress. 

The pilot aims to give officers more powers to safeguard victims and allowing for greater punishments of perpetrators. 

In February alone, 18 DAPO applications were made, 11 of those successfully granted, one withdrawn due to a criminal charge having been secured and the remaining awaiting court dates or positive requirement assessments.  

Three applications made in February have been made by victims directly through family court – whilst the police roll out is district by district, victims anywhere in Greater Manchester can apply for DAPOs themselves. 

Police have also dealt with ten DAPO breaches this month so far linked with perpetrators failing to meet their notification or sign on requirements, but some involving attempts to cause further harm to victims.  

These have resulted in swift arrests, and all being put before the courts, punished with fines, time served or suspended sentences. 

However, one man, Michael Daly (39), has been jailed for two-and-a-half years, after pleading guilty to a number of breaches of a suspended prison sentence.  Of this sentence, 12 weeks were specifically for a DAPO breach. Police were called to reports of a woman screaming for help inside a property, with a lot of noise coming from the address.  

Upon arrival, officers could see clear signs of a disturbance with furniture displaced. Whilst the victim didn’t wish to pursue, substantial witness account and previous offending history was taken into account and a DAPO granted for 28 days to protect the victim. Unfortunately, Daly breached the DAPO within days by threatening the victim. 

His complete disregard for the victim and protection order in place meant a custodial sentence. Now, the victim is safe from harm at his hands without the need to have directly made disclosures.

Detective Superintendent Jen Tattersall, who has newly stepped into the domestic abuse lead role at GMP, said: “DAPOs have already made a difference to the lives of several victims in Greater Manchester who have been subject to abuse at the hands of family members or partners. 

“Our central DAPO team has doubled in size in the last few months to ensure that we can fully support the districts in making these applications, taking them to court and fighting for the protection of victims.

"They are very strong advocates for those who have experienced abuse, and their presentations to the court have in many cases seen perpetrators face lengthier prohibitions or stronger sentences for breaches. They have also worked closely with victims to make sure the orders are working for them too, particularly where dynamics between victim and perpetrator are complex. 

“I want to ensure victims of domestic abuse know that should they come forward to us, their report will be taken seriously, and we will pursue all possible avenues to ensure they are safeguarded. DAPOs have in many cases been secured without victims wanting to come on board too, so I would encourage anyone who hears anything, knows anything, or sees anything impacting someone else to also feel they can report this to support those in harm’s way.” 

If you or someone you know are a victim or survivor of domestic abuse, report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. 

You can also report information and crimes on the GMP website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool. 

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

There are also organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support: 

Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline  
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.