First Indefinite Domestic Abuse Prevention Order in the Country Secured by Cleveland Police

Cleveland Police Prisoner Handling Team have secured an indefinite Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (DAPO) for a 22-year-old man who had been abusing a vulnerable 70-year-old woman.

The frightened woman had been subjected to physical assaults including strangulation and received regular demands for money.  She had declined to provide a statement to police and did not support a prosecution. 

In order to protect the woman from further abuse, the team sought a long-term DAPO in court which was granted on 10^th April, and is the first indefinite order granted in Cleveland.

Inspector Jon Willoughby of the Prisoner Handling Team said: “Protecting victims and keeping them safe is a key aspect of policing and the use of orders such as Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders is an important part of the protection we provide.

“I’m thankful that this was granted and the victim can now live without fear of being abused, and I would like to thank the courts for supporting this process.”