POLICE say 21 orders protecting victims of domestic violence have been made in Warrington, two months since a new law was introduced.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders offer a way of protecting victims before criminal charges are made.

The power allows police to remove an alleged abuser from the family home for up to a month while any criminal charges are considered.

The DVPOs must be approved at court. Police say they offer immediate protection while a prosecution case is put together.

DCI Nigel Wenham, from Cheshire Police, said: “We have a duty of care to members of the public who we feel are at risk from domestic violence, and have to do all that we can to protect those we deem at risk. “DVPOs give us a great tool to do this."

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I am delighted that the constabulary has risen to the challenge of implementing these orders which, I know will help to give survivors the time and space they need.

“Often there are child care or family considerations which need to be considered before the victims is ready to take positive action and this really helps them. In light of all this, I urge victims of domestic abuse, physical or emotional to have the courage to come forward and report it."

For more information on domestic violence orders, go to cheshire.police.uk.