Special courts for domestic abuse cases
Victims of domestic abuse in Warwickshire will have their cases heard in special courts starting this month.
The Specialist Domestic Abuse Courts are being launched in Nuneaton, Stratford and Rugby during October (2007) as part of a Home Office initiative.
“The idea is to offer victims of domestic abuse better support through the court process and to fast track alleged perpetrators,” said Penny Kay, Domestic Violence Manager for Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team.
“Cases will be brought to trial much quicker, sending out a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.”
Extra training is being provided for staff involved in the special domestic abuse sessions, which are a new departure for Warwickshire.
Traditionally, domestic abuse cases are treated just like any other criminal cases so the victims and witnesses receive no special treatment.
The new courts will offer them more support and protection, as well as bringing cases to trial more quickly.
“We hope this will encourage more victims to come forward,” said Penny. “Research suggests many domestic abuse incidents go unreported and never reach the courts. We want to change that.”
Chief Superintendent Neil Brunton, Deputy Director of Local Policing said: “Warwickshire Police and our criminal justice system partners are determined to support victims and witnesses through the court process and to encourage victims to report domestic abuse incidents earlier and to seek expert help as soon as possible from the range of support services available.
“Domestic abuse affects a wide cross section of people in our community and this approach forms part of an overall strategy aimed at enforcement and prosecution of offenders, prevention and improving the support given to victims.
“Domestic abuse is not always about violence. Abuse can be psychological, sexual, financial or emotional too and it’s important we identify these cases as well at the earliest opportunity.
“We are working with partners and local communities to target those responsible and provide the right environment for victims their friends and families to report abuse, confident that the correct support will be given to them.”
Research suggests one in four women have experienced domestic violence. But, it is not just women who suffer domestic abuse. A study carried out for the 2001 British Crime Survey estimated that there were around 867,000 victims of actual domestic violence in England and Wales during 2000. Almost half of the assaults were classified as severe and 39% of the victims were male.
Information and advice on domestic abuse can be found at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/domesticabuse.