Teesside domestic abuse survivor praises new protection orders

"I used to be physically pulled back in the house, have his arm around my neck, pinned to the floor, hand over my mouth telling me to shut up so the neighbours didn't hear." This was the frightening, abusive situation Jane escaped from with the help of a domestic abuse prevention order (DAPO). Her ex-partner had "brainwashed" her into thinking if she contacted the police her children would be taken away from her, she said. It was Jane's neighbour who made the call to Cleveland Police having witnessed enough to help secure a DAPO in a scheme being trialled by five police forces giving victims indefinite protection with breaches potentially leading to jail. A six-month order, followed by a six-month extension, was granted by the court to protect Jane, who said it made her feel safer and helped her rebuild her life. Jane, whose name we have changed to protect her identity, said she was so grateful to her neighbour because she "was never going to make the call" but would leave windows open hoping someone would hear and intervene. "I am so grateful that she freed me basically out of a life that wasn't worth living, it was horrific," she said. "The DAPO has helped me to think for myself