Repeated domestic abuse crimes across Wigan Borough reduce

Repeated domestic abuse crimes across Wigan Borough have reduced by nearly a half over a three-year period following a range of early-intervention, and support services from Wigan Borough's Community Safety Partnership.

Figures from Greater Manchester Police show that since 2023, repeated domestic abuse crimes - committed from the same perpetrator - has fallen from 4,252 to 2,313, a reduction of 45.6 per cent.

The sharpest decline in repeat-related harm occurred between 2024 and 2025, after the introduction of domestic abuse protection orders - DAPOs - in Wigan.

Introduced under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, DAPOs prohibit perpetrators from contacting or approaching victims, including at their home address, and can also require them to engage with behaviour change programmes or other support services.

There are 102 live orders DAPOs across the borough, which the police can apply for, or the victim themselves via the courts, or someone acting on the victim's behalf.

Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: "Domestic abuse is never acceptable in any form, and it can happen to anyone.

"Through the Community Safety Partnership, we can offer a range of support avenues for victims, working with our independent domestic violence advisers, police, and charity partners, to give them access to the help they need.

"The use of DAPOs have been instrumental in reducing repeated crimes but reductions also occurred before they were brought it, indicating that broader safeguarding, investigation and offender-management activity have also contributed to early improvements."

Figures from GMP also show that the number of victims in the Wigan Borough experiencing repeat victimisation has reduced by one-third since 2023, from 1,399 victims to 927 in 2025/26.

Total domestic abuse crime has also reduced by 21 per cent since 2023, falling from 7,408 to 5,848 recorded crimes.

"While these figures show a reduction it does not necessarily mean that the abuse is over for victims," added councillor Anderson.

"We must continue to be there for victims and survivors, while also encouraging people to report incidents when possible."

Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins, District Commander for Wigan said: "DAPOs have played a crucial role in strengthening our response to domestic abuse and protecting victims and survivors across GM. Our work does not stop here, and we will continue working to ensure our vulnerable people are protected and perpetrators see justice.

"We want every survivor of domestic abuse to know that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. Reporting abuse can feel incredibly difficult, but it is a vital step, and we will always take every report seriously.

"Alongside our partners, we are committed to providing the right support, protecting those at risk, and holding perpetrators to account so that victims can move forward safely."

Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership works to make the borough a safe place to live, work and visit. The council website (external link) explains how it works with its partners to ensure communities feel safe and supported.

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website (external link). Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can find out more about DAPOs and local domestic abuse support on the council website (external link).

Posted on Thursday 11th June 2026