Safety orders up in domestic violence cases

There has been a 10% rise in the total number of domestic violence orders issued by the courts over the last eight years, official figures show.

The increase is mainly due to a 30% jump in safety orders — the result of legal changes introduced in 2011 extending the eligibility of those who could apply.

The substantial increase in safety orders granted has been largely offset by a 38% fall in the number of barring orders issued by the courts.