A year ago Caroline Gore was brutally murdered by her partner - a man who had twice broken a restraining order banning him from contacting her.

Weeks before he stabbed her to death he had been allowed to walk free from court. Unbelievably it was the SECOND time he had appeared after breaking the restraining order - the only protection the law could give her. The law failed Caroline Gore.

He had walked free from court and killed her, celebrating that night in the pub by taking cocaine and singing Sweet Caroline. The Manchester Evening News is calling for a minimum prison sentence for breaches of these protective orders. We say if there are no consequences for breaking a restraining order then they are not worth the paper they are written on.

We need restraining orders to do what they are supposed to do - prevent more senseless deaths and also protect victims from living with the terror that their attacker might strike

Punishing those who breach protective orders with prison sentences will send a strong message to perpetrators that their crime is serious and should act as a deterrent to further breaches. 

As well as showing victims and survivors that the justice system takes the threat seriously, it also gives them much needed time away from their abusers. These perpetrators cannot harm them while they are in prison, breaking the cycle of abuse - at least temporarily.

It gives support agencies time to work with survivors, helping them in their road to recovery. This could also include, for example, helping them putting measures in place at their homes, such as CCTV and alarms, preparing for when the perpetrator is released.

This valuable time gives authorities a chance to work with the perpetrator too and assess the risk they pose upon their release - but it's also an opportunity to help them change their ways. Domestic Abuse Protection Orders will allow courts to require perpetrators take part in a behaviour change programmes - a welcome move which, if effective, could help put a stop to the abuse altogether.

However, such an intervention is not enough in itself. That's why it's so important that authorities actively monitor the situation.

Electronic tagging, which courts can also impose as part of the new orders, will help authorities monitor whether the perpetrator is adhering to the order, taking the onus off survivors and victims to police it themselves. But all of this requires funding and resources.

Unfortunately though, there will always be some offenders who will continue to breach protective orders and continue the abuse. They must not be allowed to get away with breaking the law and their victims must be protected.

A minimum jail term for breaches of restraining orders will not be a silver bullet. However, it is a vital ingredient in stopping the abuse.

As Caroline's sister Jo said: "She'd still be here now if they'd kept him in, like they should have done."

Please support our petition today calling for: 

A minimum jail sentence for people convicted of breaking restraining orders.

Proper monitoring of people with restaining orders including via electronic tagging.