More domestic violence abusers convicted in CPS project
28/06/2005
Pilot schemes providing better support to domestic violence victims and extra training to police, prosecutors and magistrates have increased convictions and reduced the number of cases which collapse because witnesses do not turn up, according to an independent report published today.
The pilots tested out different ways of improving domestic violence prosecutions. In Caerphilly a specialist team of an independent domestic violence lay adviser, a dedicated police officer and dedicated CPS lawyer provided a coordinated response at the start of cases which were fast-tracked through the courts.
The percentage of victims who withdrew from cases dropped from 53 per cent to 27 per cent thanks to the introduction of the independent adviser who kept victims informed of the progress of the case, accompanied them to court where necessary and liaised with the courts and support agencies. Guilty pleas from defendants increased from 21 per cent to 27 per cent, with even more pleading guilty later when the defendant realised that the case was continuing and the victim was going to give evidence. Late guilty pleas rose from 31 per cent to 35 per cent.
In Croydon a specialist court system was set up with specific domestic violence court sessions twice a week, including sessions to check that abusers were attending of perpertrators' programmes as part of their sentence. Prosecutors, magistrates and police received extra training and there were stronger links with local independent domestic violence agencies.
Results from the Croydon scheme highlighted how prosecutions can continue even when victims withdraw. It saw an increase in the use of evidence other than victim statements, for example medical statements, photographs of injuries and statements from other witnesses, leading to fewer cases being dropped (falling from 36 per cent to 20 per cent) even though more victims withdrew from cases during the pilot.
The evaluation report also commented on the more appropriate sentencing at Croydon, with fewer financial penalties - which often just place a burden on the family as a whole including the victims - and more rehabilitation orders such as referrals to domestic violence programmes to address abusers' behaviour.
Solicitor General Mike O'Brien welcomed today's report:
"Tackling domestic violence is imperative. Its still the largest cause of morbidity in women aged 19 - 44 and accounts for 16% of violent crime. It disgards ethnicity, age, class, disability and sexuality, and has more repeat victims than any other crime. We must also do more to protect and support victims.
"The government is working hard to tackle this appalling crime. The pilot schemes in Caerphilly and Croydon highlight ways we can tackle it, with increased sanctions and more offenders brought to justice. The more perpetrators are brought to justice, the greater the deterrent effect and the more confidence victims have to come forward and break their silence."
Department for Constitutional Affairs Minister, Cathy Ashton, said:
"This report provides further evidence of the effectiveness of specialist domestic violence courts at bringing offenders to justice and protecting victims. Crucially, they place the victim right at the heart of the court process. We are committed to providing more of these specialist courts and are working with the Home Office and CPS to have 25 operating in England and Wales by April 2006. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that victims of domestic violence get the support and protection they need and that perpetrators of this vicious crime are brought to justice."
Director of Public Prosecutions, Ken Macdonald QC said in response to the findings:
"Domestic violence is one of the most pernicious forms of violence. Victims face abuse, and often repeated abuse, from those they have trusted most. Prosecuting such cases, where victims are some of the most intimidated and at risk, is therefore a very complex process that requires a sophisticated approach. Reducing domestic violence offences and making victims safer must be tackled from all angles, not only by working to increase convictions, but by improving victims' confidence in the criminal justice system and providing reliable support for them.
"We are making inroads into improving the prosecutions of domestic violence cases. By giving us a clearer understanding of what works best the pilots in Caerphilly and Croydon will help us achieve more justice for those caught in the spiral of domestic abuse."
The pilot schemes ran from January 2004 to December 2004 as part of a CPS funded two year project to develop policy and good practice in tackling domestic violence offences.
Detailed findings from the evaluation report show that in Caerphilly victim retractions fell from 53 per cent to 27 per cent, the average length of cases reduced from 86 days to 76 days and the conviction rate rose from eight per cent to 19 per cent.
In Croydon the occasions where the prosecution offered no evidence in a case fell from 42 per cent to 26 per cent; the number of cases proceeding through the court doubled and an estimated 60 per cent of front line officers, 100 magistrates and all prosecutors received specialist domestic violence training.
The results of the projects are now being used to develop a good practice guide which will be rolled out nationally across the CPS in England and Wales. It will include sections on partnership working, specialist DV courts, training, support for victims and children, equality and diversity issues. The recommendations from the report are being shared with the Home Office, police and Department for Constitutional Affairs.
Notes to Editors
- Media enquiries to CPS press office on 020 7710 6091.
- The report of the Evaluation of Domestic Violence Pilot Sites was written by the Policy Research Institute, University of Wolverhampton, together with the University of Leicester and Cardiff University.
- The executive summary and the full report is available on our website in the Publications - Equality and Diversity Policy and Guidance section.
- The Crown Prosecution Service published a revised domestic violence prosecution policy in February 2005. The policy is available on the CPS website. It reflects an increased emphasis on the safety of victims and children and contains new sections on enhancing a victim's ability to give evidence including the use of special measures and the introduction of reporting restrictions. Emphasis is also placed on more effective evidence-gathering, safer bail conditions and practical guidance on how to proceed if a victim withdraws support for the case.
