Fast justice for victims of domestic violence (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Fast justice for victims of domestic violence

10:58am Friday 26th February 2010

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DOMESTIC violence victims will receive extra help when a new specialist court opens at Bury Magistrates next week.

Every Monday, there will be a special domestic violence court dealing with pre-trial hearings, pre-sentencing reports and sentencing for guilty pleas.

The court will also fast-track domestic violence cases through the judicial system.

The new specialist courts have been introduced as a fundamental part of the Government's efforts to improve the support and care provided for victims They work by bringing together police, prosecutors, court staff, the probation service and support services so that more offenders are brought to justice.

Similar schemes are already in place around the country, and the Bury initiative is being delivered through the Local Criminal Justice Group.

Councillor Sam Cohen, Bury Council’s executive member for safe and secure communities, disclosed there are more than 4,000 domestic violence incidents reported to police each year, but only a small percentage are seen through the courts.

He added: “With the implementation of the new court we expect to see an increase in the number of victims accessing support from the court and more perpetrators being brought to justice.”

Jonathan Storer, Bury divisional Crown Prosecutor, added: “It is clear that in any domestic abuse case the best outcome has to be the one that ensures the safety of the victim and brings the offender to justice.

“Through providing the necessary support and advice, specialist domestic abuse courts give victims courage to come forward and, in doing so, increases the likelihood of a successful prosecution. We give our full support to this initiative.”

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