Tameside sees new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders issued

TAMESIDE is now covered by a police scheme as it looks to end domestic violence – and the results have been fast.

For four Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) were secured in the first week of being part of the pilot.

The borough has joined Bury, Wigan and Manchester in seeing the Home Office led pilot rolled out.

And these new orders have joined more than 300 already secured since it began in November 2024.

One recently obtained 10-year DAPO is the longest that has so far been secured in the whole country, protecting the victim – known only as Lucy – from further harm until 2035.

It will also be proactively monitored by Greater Manchester Police’s team at Bury for that time.

Domestic abuse lead, Detective Superintendent Jen Tattersall, said, “The DAPO pilot so far has been an overwhelming success, and we are working closely with the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to ensure that our roll out can continue across the force, therefore protecting more victims and survivors.

“Whilst we are, of course, still actively pursuing perpetrators criminally first and foremost, we understand the complexities of domestic abuse and that sending perpetrators to prison is not what every victim or survivor wants.

“These orders allow us to protect them with or without their support or evidence, if we believe there is a risk posed to that person.

“The length of some of these orders, like the one secured in Bury recently, provide much more time than previous orders for survivors to get space from perpetrators, and make decisions in their own time about the future.

“Our intention is to continue rolling the pilot out across the force and make a positive difference to the lives of those impacted by abuse of all kinds.”

All victims of domestic abuse are encouraged to come forward to the police by calling 999 in an emergency, or 101.

For those who would prefer not to speak about their experience over the phone, or are not in a position to in that moment, you can use the force’s Live Chat service available at Home | Greater Manchester Police.

Your contact, no matter how you choose to get in touch, will be taken seriously and acted upon.

The Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 10am until 4pm, except bank holidays.

In Tameside, several services are available.

Bridges Domestic Abuse Service via Jigsaw Support

0161 331 2552 (open 8am-6pm)

Out of hours – 0800 328 0967

bridges@jigsawhomes.org.uk

Independent Choices Greater Manchester

0800 254 0909 (Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm)

Helpline@independentchoices.org.uk

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis

0161 273 4500 (Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6pm to 9pm)