|
Telford Magistrates Court has been accredited as one of
more than 30 new specialist domestic violence court systems across
England and Wales.
The court, which has dealt with a total of 46 cases since its
launch last October, is the centrepiece of a range of measures
introduced to improve the support and care provided for victims of
Domestic Abuse. Incidents of Domestic Abuse account for almost a
quarter of all recorded violent crime in Telford &
Wrekin.
Improving the experience of victims has been central to the
success of the Specialist Domestic Violence Court system in Telford
& Wrekin. Cases are dealt with by specially trained magistrates
and legal staff in a court environment which includes safe entrance
and exits, and a dedicated waiting area so that victims don't come
into contact with the perpetrator.
Cases are also clustered on a particular day or fast-tracked
through the system, limiting the likelihood of further incidents.
Tailored support and advice from an Independent Domestic Violence
Advocate also ensures that victims are supported prior to, during,
and after the case reaches court.
Telford & Wrekin Safer & Stronger Communities
Partnership has led a number of agencies in working together to
achieve the specialist domestic violence court status. This
includes Her Majesty's Court Service, West Mercia Crown Prosecution
Service, West Mercia Constabulary, Probation Service, Stonham,
Victim Support, Telford & Wrekin Council, and Shropshire Crime
and Disorder Reduction Partnership. Shropshire's Specialist
Domestic Violence Court was also accredited by the Home Office.
This multi-agency approach has been central to the development
of the Court, and in particular in the successful identification,
tracking and risk assessment of domestic abuse cases. It has also
ensured that victims are fully supported information is shared so
that more offenders are brought to justice.
Anita Bickerdike, Area Legal Manager, Her Majesty's Court
Service, Telford and South Shropshire said: "The recognition by the
Government of the Specialist Domestic Violence Court system in
Telford & Wrekin is a tremendous achievement and recognises the
hard work of everyone involved in the criminal justice system."
"The success of the court is just one factor amidst a range of
comprehensive provisions which ensures that survivors of abuse are
supported from point of charge throughout the whole court
process."
"The accreditation is not just recognition of the court itself,
but an indication of its importance at the centre of a coordinated
community response to Domestic Abuse"
Cllr Denis Allen, Cabinet Member for Community Services, added:
"Ensuring victims have the necessary support and advice throughout
the legal process, is critical to both the likelihood of
prosecution and to the wellbeing of the victim
themselves." |