Specialist Domestic Violence Courts review 2007/08
Justice with safety
Annex B - National Resource Manual - key components
Introduction
The National Resource Manual was produced by the National SDVC Steering Group, with advice from an Expert Panel. It was first published in March 2006 and identified 11 key components essential to the successful operation of an SDVC:
Component 1: Multi-agency partnerships with protocols
Effective multi-agency partnerships are based on a clear understanding of responsibilities and co-ordination of partner contribution, outlined in a protocol. Initial coordination is best managed by a project manager, through a strategic steering group with an operational group that acts as a case management system. Information sharing protocols are also recommended.
Component 2: Multi-agency risk assessment and risk management procedures for victims, perpetrators and children
Individual agencies within SDVCs should have risk assessment tools. Each SDVC should have a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference panel (MARAC) to coordinate the risk assessments of the victims. Strategic connections should be made between DV (MARACs), public protection mechanisms (MAPPAs) and child protection panels (Local Safeguarding Children Boards).
Component 3: Identification of cases
SDVCs should work to a common definition. The identification of DV, wherever it becomes apparent, is an essential aspect of any activity to combat this crime. All agencies are required to have identification systems in place that link across cases.
Component 4: Specialist Domestic Violence support services
The provision of specialist DV support services (Independent DV Advisors) are critical for supporting the victims and essential to the effective working of the SDVCs.
Component 5: Trained and dedicated (Note: "Dedicated" refers to posts allocated to specifically work in the SDVC system. For cluster courts this would be in the SDVC session.) criminal justice staff
Provision of dedicated staff especially from the police, CPS and, where possible court personnel, is recommended. The training of staff from all agencies in the specialised nature of DV, using national accredited training materials, is an important element in the success of SDVCs.
Component 6: Court listing considerations
Adopting a particular listing practice within an SDVC enables all Criminal Justice and voluntary agencies to adapt and focus their resources to maximum effect. Fast tracking (Note: Fast track systems (FTS) exist where DV cases proceed through the court system according to a quicker set of time scales compared to a non DV case.) or cluster courts (Note: Cluster SDVC group together DV cases for specific sessions. These usually include pre-trial reviews, remands, pleas, sentencing and even specific sessions for trials. are encouraged.
Component 7: Equality and diversity issues
SDVCs need to address good practice in relation to a range of equality and diversity issues covering at least ethnicity, gender, disability and sexuality. The support services and monitoring of defendant and victim profiles is recommended.
Component 8: Data collection and monitoring
Quantitative data collection is recommended for all SDVC agencies, to monitor the SDVC performance.
Component 9: Court facilities
Safe court facilities can play an important role in improving the court experience for victims of domestic violence. Separate entrances, waiting facilities and special measures facilities are encouraged.
Component 10: Children's services
Under the Children Act 2004, the leadership role of the Director of Children's Services covers all children in their locality, including those in DV circumstances. Links to children's services are recommended.
Component 11: Community-based perpetrator programmes
Programmes for suitable male perpetrators currently supervised by the probation service are provided throughout the National Probation Service in England and Wales. There are community-based perpetrator programmes being run outside the CJS.
The core focus of interventions with DV perpetrators, both within the CJS and outside CJS, should always be the safety of those at risk from their violence and abuse predominantly women and children.
Other services
Since the Resource Manual was produced, further sections have been included, recommending other services for victims - ranging from support through the Primary Care Trusts, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, Drug and Alcohol services, Sanctuary schemes and other housing support.
Full details on all the components are available on the Crime Reduction website.
Back to Specialist Domestic Violence Courts review 2007/08 index
