“I WAS totally controlled by my partner. I’m now free to wear what I want, go where I want and see who I want.”

These are the words of a Swindon woman who says the granting of a Domestic Violence Protection Order against her partner enabled her to break a cycle of abuse.

The DVPO was one of six issued by magistrates in Swindon and Wiltshire last month, bringing the running total to 104.

The 28-day DVPO, issued by Swindon magistrates, required the woman’s partner to leave their home. He was prohibited from molesting or contacting her or going near the property.

While the DVPO was in force, she was able to get support from domestic abuse agencies and apply to Swindon County Court for a Non Molestation Order.

The six-month order, granted by a district judge, was to protect her and another female from violence or the threat of violence.

In addition to the DVPO restrictions, it banned the man from communicating with her except through solicitors, sending threatening or abusive letters, or text messages, and damaging or threatening to damage the contents of the home.

A breach could lead to up to five years in prison.

The partner said without the DVPO, she would still be suffering daily abuse.

“The DVPO helped me to take steps that I couldn’t have done if he was still in the house,” she said.

“It’s the best thing that could have happened to me. I got an injunction in that time and, when it runs out, I`ll be applying for another.

“The freedom is brilliant. I feel it’s also made me a better mum.”

Wiltshire Police is among three forces taking part in a year-long pilot under which perpetrators can be banned from molesting a victim, or going near their home, for up to 28 days.

By the end of February – the eighth month of the Home Office trial – police had applied for DVPOs in Swindon, Chippenham and Salisbury on 125 occasions, of which only 21 were denied.

Since the pilot started, magistrates have granted 83 orders for the maximum 28 days, one for 25 days, nine for 21 days and 11 for 14 days. A total of 51 DVPOs have been issued to perpetrators in Swindon, 30 in the area served by Chippenham magistrates and 23 at Salisbury.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Lisette Harvey, force lead on the DVPO pilot, said: “We seek DVPOs when our officers and staff are concerned about violent or abusive behaviour but do not have the necessary evidence for a prosecution.

“With the help and support of partner agencies, victims have a valuable opportunity to step back and make decisions about whether they want to continue in that relationship.

“We know that a number of victims have used the time and space to consult their solicitor.”