Specialist Domestic Violence Courts
Domestic abuse is a harrowing crime affecting predominantly women, children and their wider families across the country. It is physical, sexual, psychological and/or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship whic forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.
In light of the seriousness of domestic abuse the Baroness Scotland announced the location of 25 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC) in October 2005. The initiative was then introduced to Teesside in November 2006.
What is the SDVC?
The SDVC is primarily a courts based project in Teesside Magistrates Court. The SDVC deals with all domestic abuse cases in the Teesside area. Running alongside the court itself is a multitude of ongoing work between Criminal Justice agencies and other partner agencies aiming to:
- Deal with domestic abuse perpetrators through the SDVC
- Support victims of domestic abuse
- Track and risk assess domestic abuse cases
- Improve information sharing to ensure more offenders are brought to justice and their victims are safe from further harm.
Who is involved?
In Teesside the agencies involved in the SDVC are as follows:
- Her Majesty's Courts Service
- The Teesside Bench and judges
- Cleveland Criminal Justice Board
- Community Safety Partnerships in Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton
- Crown Prosecution Service - Cleveland
- EVA Women's Aid
- Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust
- My sister's Place
- Harbour
- Cleveland Police
- National Probation Service - Teesside
- Victim Support & Witness Service
Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
One of the most crucial elements of the SDVC is the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). The IDVAs are specially trained advisors who work alongside the SDVC to provide specialist support to victims of domestic abuse.
There are currently IDVAs operating in Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton supporting victims of domestic abuse through the court process and after.