osition Statement about domestic violence recommended that individual services adopt a policy on domestic violence which: Affirms that domestic violence should be treated as seriously as any other violent behavior; Promotes the development of a distinctive and effective community program for perpetrators; Commits the service to working in a way which will promote the safety of survivors and children and highlights the importance of working in partnership with other agencies; and Recognizes that the abuse of male power and control is a central feature to much domestic violence The Home Office, with HM Inspectorate of Probation, is currently developing a training pack on domestic violence to inform the work of the probation service and assist officers in dealing with offenders who have a background in perpetrating domestic violence. Also, the Probation Service is currently working on developing an accredited national program of perpetrator programs. This will include a number of programs for the perpetrators of domestic violence which will be piloted through the Home Office Pathfinder initiative. There has also been a forward thinking change within Part IV of the Family law Act 1996 that deals with domestic violence. The Lord Chancellor implemented this change in October 1997. The Act now requires the police and court to attach the power of arrest to an occupation order or non-molestation order if the respondent has used or threatened violence against the applicant or child concerned unless it is unnecessary for their protection. Formerly only current spouses and cohabitants could apply for a remedy against domestic violence, but the Act now also covers spouses, former cohabitants and a number of other categories of people within a broadly defined domestic or family relationship. This made it possible for girlfriends current or past to have the same protection as wives. The safety of fleeing victims of violence is also an important fa...
