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See other news storiesDomestic violence: there's no excuse
21 December 2006
We're substantially increasing the number of specialist domestic violence courts to speed up the prosecution and sentencing of offenders.
Because domestic courts specialise in the problems related to crimes that occur at home, they are very successful in prosecuting domestic criminals. These courts work by bringing the police, Crown prosecutors and probation services together to investigate and prosecute domestic violence attacks.
Violence committed by offenders against their partner or family member are among the most complex and dangerous cases police and courts address.
Specialised resources are needed to:
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bring the skills of experts together
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ensure offenders are brought to justice quickly
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protect and support victims
By April 2007, we will increase the number of specialist courts in England and Wales from 49 to 64.
More successful prosecutions
In recent years, new techniques such as specialised courts have lead to an increase in the number of successful prosecutions of offenders.
Since 2003, the percentage of prosecutions that resulted in guilty verdicts has risen from 46% to 59% in 2005. Specialist courts have even greater success rate - 71% of cases prosecuted in those courts result in guilty verdicts.
However any holiday, including Christmas, brings more reports of violence in and around homes.
Baroness Scotland, the Home Office minister for domestic violence issues, called for heightened awareness at this time of year:
'Christmas is a time for families to come together and celebrate, but for victims of domestic violence it can be at time of fear and trauma,' she said.
One in four women will be affected by acts of domestic violence in their lifetimes, she pointed out, adding, 'This is a cowardly crime that cuts across all sections of society, behind closed doors, with victims left powerless to stop the physical and emotional pain and abuse.'
By creating more specialist domestic violence courts, the government is ensuring that the needs of victims are put at the heart of the criminal justice system. has transformed the way courts deal with domestic crimes to ensure more perpetrators are brought to justice, and victims receive more support, she said.
Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC, minister for the Department of Constitutional Affairs, said the government is tackling domestic violence head-on through these courts. 'The government has done more to tackle domestic violence than any before it,' she said. 'We are investing heavily to bring perpetrators to justice and to support the victims better.'
The courts' successful records give victims the confidence they need to come forward and report the violence they're enduring at home, she said. 'It sends a clear signal to victims that if they report violence, there is a greater chance that their abuser will be punished, and that they will be protected.'
A cross-government effort to protect victims
The specialist courts are part of a wide-ranging government effort to stop domestic violence. Other government initiatives include:
- implementing the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act, strengthening laws protecting victims of domestic crime and giving police and courts more powers to keep victims safe
- assured that each police force, probation area and CPS has coordinators dealing specifically with domestic violence
- allocated £2 million for independent domestic violence advisors to give expert support to victims, and ensure they're safe throughout the legal process
If you're suffering
If you're a victim of domestic violence, here are some numbers you can call for support and protection:
- if you are being physically attacked, call the police on 999 - they are trained to deal with cases just like yours
- for advice on how to handle your situation, call the 24-hour national helpline 0808 2000 247 - it's run as a partnership between Women's Aid (new window) and Refuge (new window)
- in Wales, the domestic abuse confidential helpline is 08 08 08 10 800
- male victims of domestic violence need special help, which they can receive on 0845 064 680
