Specialist court for domestic abuse cases returns

A SPECIALIST court dedicated solely to dealing with cases of domestic abuse has returned in a boost to Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to protecting victims and swiftly securing justice.

The Domestic Abuse Court, previously based at Chester Magistrates’ Court, was temporarily put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic but has now resumed at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

Within this court, any case where there is a charge for a domestic abuse offence will be heard and will remain there unless a trial is required. This helps to ensure consistency in how cases are prepared and dealt with.

And in a first for Cheshire, a dedicated police officer with specialist knowledge and skills will now also be based at the court, liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and police to ensure that there are no issues that could risk delaying the case, causing it to be re-listed or deferred to a later date.

There has been an increase in the number of Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) being issued with a total of 70 in this year alone compared to 32 issued in January to March 2021.

A DVPN is an emergency non-molestation and eviction notice that protects victims so that police and courts can put in place protective measures in the immediate aftermath of domestic violence where there is insufficient evidence to charge.

Assistant Chief Constable Una Jennings said: “We understand how important it is to deliver justice against perpetrators of domestic abuse as quickly as possible for victims.

“Delays in cases reaching court can increase anxiety for victims and, in some cases, lead victims to retract their statements. Any delays in securing justice also erodes faith in the system and this is something the force is striving to rectify.

“Since joining Cheshire, I have been keen to drive home our unwavering commitment in tackling key areas of focus such as Violence and Intimidation against Women and Girls (VIAWG) and domestic abuse.

“The reintroduction of the dedicated Domestic Abuse Court is just one of the ways in which we are pledging our steadfast support for victims.”

● Anyone with concerns regarding domestic abuse can do so by calling 101, report it online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/