Birmingham is to get its first court dedicated solely to domestic violence cases.
The facility at Birmingham Magistrates Court will bring together specially trained police officers, prosecutors, court service staff and probation officer, who will all work together during domestic violence cases.
The court will launch this Wednesday and a team of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA), will be supporting victims and assisting the prosecutor with issues such as bail risk assessments.
Andy Crump, Senior Crown Prosecutor and domestic violence co-ordinator, said: “Domestic violence is serious and pernicious. It ruins lives, breaks up families and has a lasting impact.
“The criminal justice agencies in Birmingham have been working together to examine how we can support victims of domestic violence during the prosecution process, which can be daunting and upsetting.
“This holistic multi-agency approach should lead to cases being dealt with more effectively as well as providing a dedicated support to victims.
“The aim of this court will be to safeguard victims by handling cases as effectively and expeditiously as possible which we hope will support the victim as well as maximise the number of perpetrators brought to justice.”
Detective Inspector Kim Madill, the West Midlands Police lead for domestic abuse , said: “Domestic abuse is an under-reported crime. It can affect anybody – men, women or children – from all backgrounds.
“The introduction of this specialist court shows how police are working together with partner agencies to provide support and help victims escape from domestic abuse.
“We would encourage anyone who is suffering domestic abuse, or those worried someone they know is a victim, to contact police so that action can be taken against the perpetrators and victims can be protected.”
