Domestic abuse victims in Dorset and Wiltshire to receive enhanced court support
£5 million boost for Crown Prosecution Service pilot scheme
Domestic abuse victims in Dorset and Wiltshire are set to receive improved support as their cases progress through the courts, thanks to a new government funding initiative.
The Crown Prosecution Service has been allocated £5 million over two years to assist victims reporting domestic abuse to the police.
The pilot scheme, which will run in Dorset, Wiltshire, as well as other regions, aims to focus on "the most serious" cases, providing victims the opportunity to meet prosecutors before crown court trials.
This initiative is intended to help victims better understand the court process.
The pilot scheme will also see an increase in domestic abuse victim liaison officers.
Domestic abuse charity Refuge welcomed the funding but emphasized the need for additional resources for services like refuges.
Victim Support highlighted the importance of specialist training for CPS staff involved in the pilot to ensure effective victim support.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves noted that the changes in Dorset and Wiltshire aim to amplify victims' voices and reduce the chances of them dropping out of court cases.
Labour MP for Congleton Sarah Russell acknowledged the government's ambition to address low prosecution rates for violence against women and girls and welcomed the news.
Alice Russell-Harris, public affairs lead at Refuge, stated that alongside the funding package, increases for specialist domestic abuse services are crucial.
Dr. Jessica Wild from Victim Support added that while the pilot holds promise, it must be trauma-informed and victim-centered to make a real impact, necessitating specialist CPS training.
Kate Brown, the Crown Prosecution Service’s national lead for domestic abuse, emphasized the importance of ensuring victims in Dorset and Wiltshire feel supported during their journey through the criminal justice system.