Domestic violence court planned

Oxfordshire is to have a special court to deal solely with cases of domestic violence, it has been announced.

The new Specialist Domestic Violence Court system (SDVC) will be located in Banbury.

There are already a network of about 100 similar courts across England and Wales which unite counselling resources with the police and courts.

Four other centres will be established in Loughborough, Wellingborough, Sunderland and Manchester.

We are providing victims with the support they need to come forward Home Secretary Jacqui Smith

The magistrates and all court staff are all specially trained in dealing with domestic violence cases.

Deborah Parry from the Crown Prosecution Service said the SDVCs increase prosecutions, give victims courage to come forward because they reduce delays and offer greater victim support.

Home Secretary Jacquie Smith said: "Domestic Violence is a devastating crime.

"Through almost 100 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts already in place we are providing victims with the support they need to come forward and help us bring these perpetrators to justice."

Ms Smith credited the service with helping double the number of convictions over the past four years.

The government estimates that an average of 70 per cent of cases brought to court now result in successful prosecutions.

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