GMP Announcements
  View Archive
Posted by Editor on 16th June 2010 at 12:29 AM
National Centre for Domestic Violence Launch
Greater Manchester Police has joined forces with the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) to provide victims of domestic abuse with an additional service to help them obtain civil injunctions against their partner.

"Getting a civil injunction is an option that victims of domestic abuse can pursue regardless of whether or not a criminal offence has been committed and NCDV can provide victims with additional protection from their abusive partner," said Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, GMP's lead officer on domestic abuse.

"There are a number of services already available in Greater Manchester to support victims through the civil process but our partnership with the NCDV will provide an additional outlet for those in need to turn to. The NCDV can help by providing free legal advice and will liaise on behalf of the victim, with a number of approved solicitors."

On Friday 11 June, the NCDV was launched in Greater Manchester, it is a telephone-based service that offers anyone access to fast and free legal advice and support 24 hours a day. Since its introduction, it has obtained over 35,000 injunctions and has been launched in partnership with 19 police forces across the country.

ACC Sweeney continued: "With the start of the World Cup only days away, we anticipate a rise in domestic abuse incidents. Therefore, as well as the partnership with the NCDV, we have already launched a campaign with the 10 local authorities, the Domestic Abuse Helpline and the Greater Manchester Public Health Network to urge victims, their friends and families as well as those committing the abuse to seek help and support during the World Cup period.

"It is crucial that victims know that there is a range of support services available to them and they don't have to suffer in silence.

"Furthermore, offenders should be warned that if they breach a civil order, they could be committing a criminal offence and we will arrest them."

Dr Stephen Connor, CEO of NCDV said: "NCDV is delighted to join forces with Greater Manchester Police to tackle domestic abuse. We want to actively and publicly show that this is a problem that can affect everybody but that help is available.

"Action can now be taken in both the civil and criminal courts to prevent someone from being abusive to their partner and ensure that they are held to account. By working together we can ensure that victims do not have to tolerate this cowardly crime."

Anyone who would like to access the services offered by the NCDV can call: 0844 8044 999 or text: NCDV to 60777. Information is also available on www.ncdv.org.uk

Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account.



Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377.