Success of domestic violence court in Derby

21/10/2005

The Government has announced this week that due to the success of the seven pilot Domestic Violence Courts, including the one in Derby, there are to be 18 more opened throughout England and Wales, and a continued focus on the existing seven.

Locations of the 18 new domestic violence courts, which will be specially equipped to deal with domestic violence cases, were revealed this week as part of a series of announcements to mark Inside Justice Week.

The Specialist Domestic Violence Court Programme held at Derby Magistrates'
Court has shown such striking results by taking on a combined approach to domestic violence cases, by the police, Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates, support services for victims and other bodies.

Neil Hoodless, CPS Prosecutor, and domestic violence co-ordinator said, "Supporting victims of domestic violence and dealing with perpetrators of domestic violence is already a priority, for not only the Crown Prosecution Service, but the whole of the Criminal Justice System in Derbyshire.

"In Derbyshire we are aiming to maintain the success of the Specialist Domestic Court Programme by taking a very modern approach to eradicate domestic violence once and for all.  The setting up of a dedicated domestic violence court has proved that this crime is being taken extremely seriously in Derbyshire, by the police, the CPS and, most importantly, by the judges and magistrates who are making decisions that have a profound effect upon people's lives."