SDVC Launch June 2008
Official launch of SDVCs in Wiltshire and Swindon is held
THE launch of specially equipped domestic violence courts in Wiltshire and Swindon has taken place.
A pilot programme of weekly Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs) began at the start of the year and received Home Office accreditation in April.
The initiative was formally launched at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 10 June, where work that has been achieved to date across Wiltshire and Swindon was recognised.
The event was attended by around 50 people from criminal justice agencies in Wiltshire and Swindon as well as partner organisations.
It was organised by the Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board (WCJB), which manages the criminal justice system at a local level.
WCJB chair Diana Fulbrook introduced the launch by setting the context locally and explaining how accreditation for the specialist DV courts was sought.
Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Brian More put the domestic violence agenda into a national context and highlighted the victim focus.
Meanwhile, Jo Motto from Wiltshire Victim Support, focused on the support offered to DV victims.
She spoke about this service and the role of the Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA). Jo is a trained IDVA.
The aim of the IDVA is to help ensure the safety of the highest risk victims of domestic violence and their children by working as active partners with statutory agencies, including the criminal justice agencies, and voluntary organisations.
Wiltshire Lord Lieutenant John Bush gave the closing address.
Our main picture shows, from left, Lord Lieutenant John Bush, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Brian Moore, Jo Motto, from Wiltshire Victim Support, and Wiltshire Criminal Justice Board (WCJB) chair Diana Fulbrook at the launch.
