The government has today announced its plans to help protect victims of harassment including domestic violence.
From next month, courts will have greater power to grant restraining orders so victims have immediate protection from their abusers.
In what the Home Office has called a 'powerful tool to protect victims', it is hoped the restraining order powers will save victims from having to go through separate civil action.
Currently courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
However, under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims.
Home Office minister Lord West said: 'Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
'The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action.'
Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
Today's announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
The report shows the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has a 72 per cent successful prosecution rate, with the number of unsuccessful outcomes in domestic violence falling 'significantly'.
Nicola Harwin, chief executive of the charity Women's Aid, said: 'We must improve protection for those affected by abuse and welcome the many initiatives over the last ten years to improve protection. These restraining orders will provide a valuable new tool to help protect victims
'Women's Aid also welcomes proposals for improved prevention work with young people in schools. Evidence shows that although many young people will not tolerate domestic violence, up to a million girls and boys in the UK are at risk every year.'
From next month, courts will have greater power to grant restraining orders so victims have immediate protection from their abusers.
In what the Home Office has called a 'powerful tool to protect victims', it is hoped the restraining order powers will save victims from having to go through separate civil action.
Currently courts can only issue restraining orders following conviction for two types of offences: harassment or putting someone in fear of violence.
However, under the new rules an order can be made following conviction for any offence and even where someone is acquitted in order to better protect victims.
Home Office minister Lord West said: 'Domestic violence is a devastating crime which impacts across all communities.
'The additional powers announced today will also help victims in need of immediate protection and spare them the need to take separate civil action.'
Breaking the terms of a restraining order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
Today's announcement coincides with the publication of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan 2008/9.
The report shows the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has a 72 per cent successful prosecution rate, with the number of unsuccessful outcomes in domestic violence falling 'significantly'.
Nicola Harwin, chief executive of the charity Women's Aid, said: 'We must improve protection for those affected by abuse and welcome the many initiatives over the last ten years to improve protection. These restraining orders will provide a valuable new tool to help protect victims
'Women's Aid also welcomes proposals for improved prevention work with young people in schools. Evidence shows that although many young people will not tolerate domestic violence, up to a million girls and boys in the UK are at risk every year.'
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