Specialist Domestic Violence Courts for Wakefield and Pontefract

07/04/2008

Wakefield Magistrates' Court and Pontefract Magistrates' Court have introduced Specialist Domestic Violence Courts. They are held on Monday mornings at Wakefield and Friday mornings at Pontefract magistrates' courts.

Victims of domestic violence often feel threatened, intimidated, isolated, vulnerable and controlled by their abuser, all of which makes it very difficult for them to report the abuse. Often there are numerous incidents of domestic violence before victims have sufficient courage to report the abuse to the police. Victims are faced with complex and life-changing decisions and they need to be supported; this is what SDVC philosophy aims to do.

SDVCs represent a partnership approach to domestic violence by the police, prosecutors, courts, the probation service and specialist support services for victims. Specially trained representatives from these agencies work together to protect and support victims of domestic violence and share information better so that more offenders are brought to justice. Magistrates sitting in these courts are fully aware of the approach and have also received dedicated training.

Each SDVC offers separate entrances, exits and waiting areas so that victims do not come into contact with their attackers, and they also ensure that cases are clustered on a particular day or fast-tracked through the system, limiting the likelihood of further domestic violence incidents.

Neil Franklin, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS West Yorkshire added:

"Specialist Domestic Violence Courts are just one of the initiatives we have embraced in the Crown Prosecution Service to improve the support and care we provide to victims of domestic violence and to enhance the likelihood of successful prosecutions in these cases.

"The SDVC in Leeds which has been sitting for some years now has helped bring about marked improvements in relation to successful prosecutions of domestic violence offenders. We have full confidence that the same will happen at Wakefield and Pontefract.

"Perpetrators must be brought to justice, and when they are, victims will benefit from the specialist skills all agencies are able to bring to bear."

Dyfed Foulkes, Area Director of HM Courts Service in West and North Yorkshire said:

"I am very pleased that Wakefield and Pontefract Magistrates' Courts have been officially designated as a Specialist Domestic Violence Court venue. This reflects the excellent efforts of all agencies working on the ground to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive effective and co-ordinated support throughout the criminal justice process.  Her Majesty's Courts Service is committed to the initiative, and will continue to work with others in delivering improved services to vulnerable victims and witnesses."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Specialist Domestic Violence Courts Review was published on 8th March 2008 at www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/dv/dv018.htm; www.cps.gov.uk/publications/equality/index.html

2. Further information on Specialist Domestic Violence Courts can be found at www.crimereduction.homeoffice.gov.uk/domesticviolence/domesticviolence59.htm

3. The CPS West Yorkshire Press Officer can be contacted on 0113 2902839.