Police will be able to prevent suspected domestic abusers from returning to a victim's home, under a pilot scheme launched by the Home Office today.

Greater Manchester, West Mercia and Wiltshire police will run the 12 month trial of Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), which officers can use to stop perpetrators from contacting victims or returning to their home for up to 28 days.

The scheme is designed to provide protection in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident, before civil proceedings can be progressed. Domestic violence is a widespread problem and comprised 14 percent of all violent incidences reported in the British Crime Survey last year.

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