Plans for domestic violence court

Plans have been announced to open a special court to deal with cases of domestic violence in Derbyshire.

The Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) in Chesterfield is part of plans to extend the current network of about 100 courts across England and Wales.

The aim of the courts is to bring together counselling resources with the police and courts services.

The magistrates and court staff will all be trained in dealing with domestic violence cases.

'Cowardly crimes'

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "Domestic violence is a devastating hidden crime which the government condemns in all its forms.

"We are committed to ensuring victims are at the heart of the criminal justice system by ensuring they feel confident in coming forward and reporting these cowardly crimes."

The SDVC will hold domestic violence cases on a particular day to enable all agencies to work more closely together.

The government wants to see 128 SDVCs by 2011.

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