Supporting victims of domestic violence

The CPS launched its Domestic Violence Policy in 2001.  This policy was developed after extensive consultation with women's aid groups, Victim Support and other criminal justice system agencies.  The policy centres on the need to ensure the safety of victims and their children, while holding abusers accountable for their actions and on providing guidance for all prosecutors responsible for presenting cases in court.

Two years later, in May 2003, Derby became one of only five areas in England and Wales to have a Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC).  Based at the Magistrates' Court in St Mary's Gate, Derby's SDVC has been created with the specific needs of domestic violence victims in mind.

Domestic violence accounts for a quarter of all violent crime.  Research shows that by the time a victim makes a formal complaint there have usually been, on average, some 34 previous incidents.  Invariably, over time the level of violence, and its frequency, increases and can have fatal consequences.  In England and Wales two women are killed by their current or former partners every week.

Victims of domestic violence are often reluctant to be witnesses in court because of their relationship with the defendant, particularly where children are involved.  Many feel vulnerable and intimidated, and find the prospect of going to court daunting.  Derby's dedicated domestic violence court aims to tackle this issue by ensuring the justice system is more receptive to the needs of victims.

An independent report concluded that SDVCs provide better support for victims and more effective, streamlined ways of dealing with domestic violence.

The report, Evaluation of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, suggests women are highly satisfied with the advice, support and information provided to them in the court.  It also found evidence of increased guilty pleas when victims were supported and, in some courts, an increase in late guilty pleas.  While early pleas are always preferable, in domestic violence cases late guilty pleas can also be seen as a successful outcome as defendants often try to string out the court cases expecting the victim to withdraw.

The SDVC is a joint initiative between police, courts, the CPS, the Domestic Violence Partnership and voluntary sector groups such as women's support groups.  Its core principles include access to lay advocates (someone who supports the victim by acting as a go-between between the courts, police and CPS), co-ordination of partner agencies, providing a victim and child friendly court and providing specialist personnel - including CPS prosecutors, legal advisers and magistrates who have been trained in domestic violence awareness and procedures.

The SDVC's innovative multi-agency approach has greatly improved the level of support offered to victims.  Police officers trained in dealing with domestic violence cases are on hand throughout the court session to liase with our prosecutors on issues such as the status of bail conditions and any retractions by the complainant.  Representatives from voluntary sector support agencies are also on hand in every courtroom to offer one to one support and guidance to victims, both during and after the court hearing.

Domestic violence is a historical problem that requires a very modern approach to eradicate it once and for all.  The setting up of a dedicated domestic violence court demonstrates that this crime is being taken extremely seriously in Derbyshire, by the police, the CPS and the judges and magistrates who are making decisions that have a profound effect upon people's lives.