Specialist Domestic Violence Courts
Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs) are now in operation across the whole of Avon and Somerset.
The SDVCs are dedicated to making the victim feel as safe as possible, to bringing domestic violence perpetrators to court more quickly, and to ensuring that all staff working within the SDVC, including the magistrates, have dedicated training and knowledge of the subject. They aim to be centres of excellence.
The Specialised Domestic Violence Courts operate within the Magistrates' Court on one or more days of the week. All DV cases and trials should be heard on that day, with courtrooms set aside for this purpose. A uniformed police officer is present throughout the court proceedings and a victim advocate provides support from beginning to end. In most cases the victim also enters the court through a separate entrance and has their own waiting area, away from the perpetrator and their family.
In Avon and Somerset there are Specialist Domestic Violence Courts operating in the following areas:
- Bristol
- Bath
- North Somerset (Weston-Super-Mare, Portishead, Nailsea & Clevedon)
- South Somerset (Yeovil)
- Bridgwater
- Yate (South Gloucestershire).
The first DV court in Avon and Somerset began in Bridgwater in 2005. The main benefits of the courts are their effectiveness in helping trials reach a successful outcome as well as aiming to provide a less traumatic experience for victims from the moment they report their situation to the police right through to their day in court.
Agencies and organisations involved in the SDVC process include:
- Her Majesty's Court Service
- Crown Prosecution Service (including the Witness Care Unit)
- Police
- Probation
- Local Authorities
- Specialist local support services such as Victim Support
- The Court based Witness Service
The process:
Police will:
- Take a statement
- Once a statement has been made to the police, they will then offer to refer you to an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and/or Victim Support depending on your needs.
- Police will explain what support and services are available to you before and during court
The Witness Care Unit (A joint initiative between the police and the CPS, helping victims and witnesses by providing a single point of contact throughout the court process) will:
- Give you the name of a Witness Care Officer who will be your single point of contact about the case. They will keep you updated and provide information about support available.
- They will provide you with all the information you need relating to support and the court case
- Make an assessment of your needs, helping with travel arrangements to court, child care or interpreters if needed
- Will refer you to the court based Witness Service, who will contact you before court and invite you to a pre-trial court visit, as well as giving you dedicated support on the day of trial.
Specialist Support Services (e.g. Victim Support) and the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) are independent from the criminal justice system. After making your statement you will be contacted by an IDVA (assuming you have agreed to a referral) who, together with Specialist Support Services, will:
- Explain and assess your needs and options
- Help complete paperwork
- Help with safety plans at every stage
- Explain the procedure and the positive outcomes of the SDVC
- Help with child protection issues
- Provide access to advice on housing, immigration, benefits and employment
- Work closely with other agencies or support organisations to make sure all your needs are met
- Work with other agencies concerning harassment or intimidation
- Offer emotional support for as long as it is needed
Benefits of the courts:-
- You will have already been offered the opportunity to visit the court in advance if you are attending for a trial
- They operate on a set day dealing solely with DV cases
- Throughout the process and on your day in court victims have a consistent point of contact
- The Courts provide a less traumatic process
- In most courts, there are separate entrances and waiting rooms for victims and witnesses
- There are uniformed police officers present on the day
- Court staff and magistrates have received specialist DV awareness training
DV can take many forms including physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse and can result in victims being totally cut off from family and friends.
For more information on what to do if you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence please see the helpline numbers below:
Victim Support Avonvale
0845 45 66 099
Victim Support Somerset
01460 555 35
Information and support for anyone affected by crime.
Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum
www.bdaf.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
A 24-hour freephone service for female victims provided in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid. (www.womensaid.org.uk and www.refuge.org.uk)
Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327
The Men's Advice Line helpline provides a range of services aimed primarily at men experiencing domestic abuse from their partner. (www.mensadviceline.org.uk)
Broken Rainbow National Helpline
020 8539 9507
Provides services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
Open 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm weekdays. Advice Line