'Go Order' Pilot Scheme To Be Launched

New proposals created to protect those suffering domestic violence have been welcomed by a leading family lawyer.

The government’s plans would see the introduction of ‘go orders’, which would be used to ban those suspected of carrying out domestic violence from their homes for up to four weeks.

A pilot scheme based around the proposals, which may also be used against people even if there is a lack of evidence to charge them, is expected to start next year in Greater Manchester, Wiltshire and West Mercia.

According to the Home Office, similar schemes have been operated successfully in countries including Germany, Switzerland and Poland.

Peter Morris, a Partner in Irwin Mitchell’s Family Law team and a management committee member of Leeds-based charity Behind Closed Doors, said: "It is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic violence at some stage in their lives. It takes on average 37 incidents before the victim will involve the police or take legal advice.

“In the current economic downturn it is likely that incidents of domestic violence will increase at a time when support services will reduce as a result of a lack of funding in the third sector.

“The consequences of domestic abuse are devastating for the victim and any children of the family. We see the new police powers as an important addition to the resources available to support victims of violence and will monitor the results of the pilot project with interest."