ESSEX Police could finally be getting a grip on domestic violence after it was revealed to be one of the most successful forces handing out new prevention orders.

The domestic violence protection orders stop suspected perpetrators from returning to an address while police gather evidence to charge a person, or alleged victims have time to consider pressing charges.

Since June 1, the force has been able to get 178 orders granted by the courts – one of the highest amounts in the country.

Essex Police have been under the microscope when it comes to dealing with domestic violence following recent high-profile cases, but Det Chief Insp Tom Simons, from the force’s public protection unit, said these were a great tool in tackling the crime.

He said: “These orders can bridge the gap in providing immediate emergency protection to a victim where there is a risk of violence, but a criminal case cannot proceed.

“Not only do the orders safeguard vulnerable people, but they also give them a chance to get additional help to find a way out of their situation.

“If someone breaches a notice they can be subject to immediate arrest and can then be remanded in custody to appear before a court for a full order to be considered.

“A breach of an order can lead to a maximum fine of £5,000 or a two-month prison sentence.”

The force has been criticised following a series of deaths including that of Leanne Meecham, 26, who was stabbed to death in her home in Park Street, Westcliff, by her ex-partner Simon Meecham, 42, in February last year.

Maria Stubbings, 50, of Chelmsford, was strangled to death by her ex-partner Marc Chivers in December 2008.

An inquest into her death last October ruled police failings, including incompetence by domestic abuse specialists and a failure to properly assess the risks she faced, contributed to Maria’s death.

It led to Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston making domestic violence his only crime priority when he came into power. It also saw the force get a £440,000 grant from the Home Office so officers can now attend domestic abuse incidents with body-worn cameras to capture evidence.

Mr Alston provided £260,000 from his budget to expand support services for domestic abuse victims.

In addition, Clare’s Law, which was rolled out in March and allows police to disclose information about a partner’s previous history of domestic violence or violent acts, has been used 48 times, after the force received 98 requests to disclose information.

Students taught warning signs

HIGH school students have been taught the warning signs of domestic abuse.

Unique awareness lessons were given to pupils at Shoeburyness High School as part of Southend: Start The Conversation project.

It helps young people to understand what domestic abuse is so they are able to recognise it if it ever happens to them or anyone they know.

The scheme is based on ageappropriate films, showing children what they need to know in terms of the law around domestic abuse and getting help for themselves or someone else.

Session leader for the project, Beth Hooper, has been impressed by the work the pupils of Shoeburyness High School have done.

She said: “Throughout the sessions the children have taken this subject very seriously and have offered thoughtful and, sometimes, very interesting comments about domestic abuse awareness and how it affects people of their age.

“The aim here was for noone to say they accepted domestic abuse because they thought it was normal.”

The sessions are funded by the Southend Success for All Children Fund and delivered by local not-for-profit organisation Blade Education.