A pilot scheme aimed at finding new ways to tackle domestic violence has recently got underway in England.

Under the scheme Domestic Violence Protection Notice and Orders (DVPN/DVPO) can now be issued against perpetrators of domestic violence who present a continuing threat to their victim. Police will also now be able to take the decision to legally ban a violent partner from their own home even if they have not been charged with an offence.

This is to allow victims of domestic abuse time and space to make arrangements and decisions about how they can get away from their situation and get support. Often it is the victim who is forced to flee the family home to escape domestic violence incidents and this can put them in an even more vulnerable position.

The trial project, which is already underway with several police forces in England, will last for an initial period of 12 months. The results will be assessed by the Home Office before a decision is made on future action.

According to Detective Sergeant Sharon Avery, a police officer who is co-ordinating the scheme, “This new pilot seeks to redress the balance by placing the requirement to leave the home on the person using the violence rather than the victims of that violence”.

Although as yet there is no such scheme in place north of the border it will be worthwhile looking to the results of the English pilot to see whether such orders or something similar could be brought into force in Scotland.