As part of the Government’s new plan to “crackdown on domestic abusers on a large scale”, GMP will pilot the new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders in the Greater Manchester region.
This cross-jurisdictional order aims to provide flexible and longer-term protection for victims.
This ultimately means that that the court will be able to impose requirements – such as attendance to perpetrator behaviour change programmes – alongside electronic monitoring and making it mandatory for offenders to notify the police of name and address changes, according to GMP – with a breach of any requirement being a criminal offence that could result in fines, up to five years in prison, or a combination of both.
GMP will also be required to work with The Home Office to “proactively highlight and reiterate” who the most dangerous domestic abusers are in their force area to prevent them from committing further crimes.
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A new assessment tool will also help police identify domestic abusers who are most likely to commit greatest harm – including those without convictions.
Some of the other measures being introduced as part of the pilot scheme will see coercive and controlling behaviour put on par with physical violence, and offenders that are sentenced to a year or more for controlling and coercive behaviour will be recorded on the ‘Violent and Sex Offender register’, alongside other dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators.
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Violence against women and girls will also be classified as a national threat for policing, and will be added as a strategic policing requirement for the first time.
Greater protection for victims of domestic abuse will be enforced to ensure they receive the correct support for their needs.
On top of this, the Government has committed to establishing 18 centres across the UK that will be recognised as ‘safe spaces’ for victims of abuse to receive emergency help.
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There, they will be offered “appropriate support from the police or support services”.
GMP’s Detective Chief Superintendent, Michaela Kerr, says the force has been chosen for the pilot in recognition of “the significant improvements” it has made in its “arrangements towards domestic abuse”.
“There will no longer need to be violence involved to meet the rounds for an order to be issued,” she explained, “and this will particularly strengthen our opportunities around coercive control and can be used all types of domestic abuse whether it be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial.”
DCS Kerr said the pilot scheme means GMP will ensure that it “maximises every opportunity that this gives us to better protect victims and reassure the public that we’re all working together to improve our response to domestic abuse.
“If you are a victim of domestic abuse, know someone who is or has been affected by domestic abuse or violence, we can support you.
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“We would urge those who are being domestically abused in any form to contact us directly as GMP can also put you in touch with other support organisations that understand your specific needs.
GMP anticipates the pilot will be officially launched in June 2023.
Featured Image – iStockPhoto
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Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
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Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time
Daisy Jackson
Peter Kay has issued a statement after his two gigs at Co-op Live were rescheduled – again.
The Bolton-born comedian was supposed to officially open the huge new Manchester venue last week, but ‘power supply issues’ forced it to be rescheduled.
He was then supposed to perform on Monday and Tuesday of next week instead, but these two shows have been pushed back even further.
Peter Kay has now issued a statement addressing the postponement, saying it’s ‘very disappointing’.
He also said: “I know, I can’t believe it either.”
He’s even amended his own tour poster to add the disclaimer: “(If they actually open the place).”
The star joked that he was now the ‘ninth artist in the world’ to play there.
The legendary comic wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).
“The first available dates the shows can reschedule to are as follows: Mon 29th April to Thurs 23rd May, Tues 30th April to Frid 24th May.
“Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable.
“It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
Co-op Live said in a statement: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.”
They’ve also made the rather bold decision to once again assure fans that the next raft of shows now set to be their opening gigs – big dates from Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo – are still set to go ahead as scheduled.
Touch wood.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.
“Both The Black Keys and Peter Kay have graciously agreed to reschedule their shows. The Black Keys will now perform on 15 May 2024, and Peter Kay will now perform on 23 and 24 May 2024.
“All tickets remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase. Refunds will be available for those who can no longer attend.
“We deeply appreciate the impact this will have on excited fans, and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause. Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
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“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”