This is in addition to the existing Specialist Domestic Violence Court areas of Wolverhampton, South East Staffordshire, Central & South West Staffordshire (Cannock and Stafford Magistrates’ Courts), North Staffordshire, South Worcestershire (Bromsgrove and Redditch and Kidderminster Magistrates' Courts) present within the region.
The specialist domestic violence court programme promotes a combined approach to tackling domestic violence by the police, crown prosecutors, magistrates, courts and probation, together with specialist support services for victims. Agencies work together to identify, track and risk assess domestic violence cases and better share information so that more offenders are brought to justice, victims are protected and better supported, and further violence is prevented.
Measures which the courts have introduced include:
- dedicated prosecutors and police and trained magistrates and legal advisors who specialise in the issues involved in domestic violence cases;
- either a fast-tracking of domestic violence cases, or a clustering of cases together on a designated day each week or month to make courts run more effectively and speed up justice for victims; and
- separate entrances, exits and waiting areas so that victims are not confronted by their attackers.
Domestic violence accounts for 16% of all violent crime
Domestic violence costs the lives of 2 women every week
Domestic violence costs in excess of £23 billion a year
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will suffer from it at some point in their lives
The Home Office has established a national 24 hour helpline to offer women and children access to emergency refuge accommodation, information, safety planning and translation facilities.
To call the helpline - telephone 0808 2000 247
