Domestic abuse victims to get better court support in Hampshire
The government has announced a new pilot scheme
The government has announced a new pilot scheme aimed at providing better support for domestic abuse victims navigating the court system.
This initiative includes £5 million in funding for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over two years.
Hampshire is among the areas selected for the trial, which seeks to address the needs of individuals facing domestic abuse cases in court.
The CPS aims to enhance protection and support for those who have reported domestic abuse to the police.
The pilot will offer victims the chance to meet prosecutors before crown court trials, allowing them to ask questions and better understand the process.
Domestic abuse victim liaison officers will also be increased in number under the scheme.
The pilot will be operational in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Yorkshire and Humber, Merseyside, and Cheshire.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves, speaking in the House of Commons, highlighted that the offer extends similar support to that already provided for victims of rape and serious sexual assault:
“I know from speaking with prosecutors and victims the difference these meetings can make, and I’m pleased to see it extended to victims of domestic abuse.”
Domestic abuse charity Refuge welcomed the funding but emphasised the existing gap in funding for services like refuges.
Refuge’s Alice Russell-Harris stressed that while the funding is a step forward, sustainable funding for domestic abuse services is necessary:
“Robust support for survivors navigating the criminal justice system is vital in reducing attrition rates. However, domestic abuse often goes unseen and unreported, with many cases never reaching the prosecution stage.
“Investment in specialist support services is essential to ensure survivors can access safety without delay.
“There is a staggering funding gap for specialist services, including refuges and community-based services. Until the Government commits to sustainable funding for domestic abuse services, women and their children will continue to pay the price.”
Dr Jessica Wild, strategic head of domestic abuse at Victim Support said: “This pilot is welcome news for victim-survivors whose cases are progressing through the courts.
“Attending court can be a stressful and re-traumatising experience, but meeting the prosecutor beforehand has real potential to help victim‑survivors feel more prepared and better understand what to expect.
“For these changes to deliver real impact, it is crucial that they are trauma-informed, victim centred and inclusive of all victim-survivors.
“That requires today’s announcement to be backed by specialist training for the CPS, ensuring victims’ voices and wellbeing are consistently prioritised and their needs are properly met."
Kate Brown, the Crown Prosecution Service’s national lead for domestic abuse, stated that this funding would ensure domestic abuse victims feel protected and informed throughout their legal journey:
“For many victims of domestic abuse, the path to justice might feel overwhelming. After such isolating and frightening experiences, the criminal justice system must be a place where victims feel supported, heard and able to move forward."