A SCHEME to protect victims of domestic abuse which was piloted in Bolton is to be used across Greater Manchester.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders allow senior police officers to act instantly to protect families they consider to be under threat from perpetrators of domestic abuse.

The orders can be used to ban people thought to be at risk of being violent from their own homes.

They are used when pol-ice are worried about violent behaviour in a hou- sehold, but do not have enough evidence to bring a criminal charge.

Before the orders came into force, only those arr-ested and charged with an offence could be barred from their home, either through bail conditions or by the victim seeking an order in the civil courts.

The new measures give police the power to ban violent abusers from their homes for a length of time decided through the magistrates’ court — between 14 and 28 days — allowing the victims to stay in their own homes rather than flee to a friend's home, or a refuge, to escape their abuser.

If abusers breach the order it could lead to a prison sentence.

Sarah Summers, sister of Katie Summers, who was murdered by her boyfriend, has been campaigning for more to be done to protect victims of domestic violence.

She said: “One of the problems is as soon as pol-ice leave an address the offenders come back, so I welcome this. The police need to be able to give victims more time to realise that they can cope on their own and get the help and support needed.

“It also gives them reassurance that the police are taking them seriously and helping to protect them.”

Det Supt Phil Owen, of Greater Manchester Po-lice, said: “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their homes and have a future without fear, and these new powers will help save lives by reducing harm within the home.

“Nationally two women a week die due to domestic abuse.

“And our aim is to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse and help victims regain control of their lives and move forwards to secure a safer, happier future.”

The Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline (0161 6367525) gives to people affected by domestic violence.