A total of 54 Domestic Violence Protection Orders were granted by magistrates in Wiltshire during the first three months of a Home Office trial project.

Wiltshire Police apply for the Go Orders when they suspect violence or the threat of violence has been used against a partner.

Orders are granted for up to 28 days and ban the alleged abuser contacting the victim or entering the home, even if it also their home.

Of 54 orders granted since July, most have been in Swindon. Town magistrates granted 30 of 38 applications.

Chippenham magistrates granted all eight orders applied for and in Salisbury magistrates approved all 16 orders applied for.

The project will be evaluated after 12 months by the Home Office.