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The Role of The Crown Prosecution Service

The Crown Prosecution Service is the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales.

As the principal prosecuting authority in England and Wales, we are responsible for:

  • advising the police on cases for possible prosecution
  • reviewing cases submitted by the police
  • determining any charges in more serious or complex cases
  • preparing cases for court
  • presenting cases at court

Find out more about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service

Prosecuting Violent Crime

Violent crime covers a wide range of offences including:

These crimes are extremely rare, they account for only about 1% of all crime. Yet they cause significant harm, both to individual victims and their families in terms of physical injury and psychological trauma, and to society more widely in terms of fear. We are committed to prosecuting violent crimes efficiently and effectively.

Home » News Centre » Articles » Somerset Specialist Domestic Abuse Court increases cases brought to justice

Somerset Specialist Domestic Abuse Court increases cases brought to justice

10/11/2005

The number of domestic abuse cases brought to justice in western Somerset from 61.8% at the end of last year to 72.3% in September.

This improvement is a result of the success of the Specialist Domestic Abuse court which was launched in Bridgewater at the beginning of the year. The court is dedicated to making victims of domestic abuse feel safe, as well improving the efficiency of how cases are processed.

One feature of the court is that victims enter through a separate entrance and have their own waiting area, well away from defendants and their associates, promoting a feeling of a safer environment for them to attend. Victims are now less likely to retract statements due to higher confidence in the court and better support from specially trained staff.

Other figures associated with domestic abuse cases show that where the victim did retract, but the case still proceeded, the proportion of perpetrators pleading guilty or found guilty after trial has nearly doubled and under the new court 45% of domestic abuse trials end in a guilty outcome compared to 20% six months ago.

Enquiries to Avon and Somerset Area Communications Manager on 0117 930 2811