Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has met with specially-trained domestic violence legal advisers and magistrates at Grays Magistrates' Court to congratulate them on their work helping the victims of domestic violence.
The Grays Specialist Domestic Violence Court opened on 4 April 2007 and has been giving victims of domestic violence greater specialist support in the Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock areas.
These innovative courts work by bringing together police, prosecutors, court staff, the probation service and specialist support services to tackle domestic violence. Among the pioneering features are:
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trained and dedicated criminal justice staff – including magistrates – with expertise in dealing with domestic violence matters
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cases clustered on a particular day to enable all agencies to focus their specialist resources
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tailored support and advice from independent domestic violence advisers.
Justice Minister, Bridget Prentice said:
‘The Specialist Domestic Violence Court at Grays Magistrates' Court is a key player in our fight against domestic violence and boosts our existing network of specialist domestic violence courts.
‘These are central to the package of support we offer to domestic violence victims and I am delighted by the continuing support and help given so far.
‘It is crucial that victims of these crimes have confidence in the justice system – and this specialist court ensures that this happens.’
Each Wednesday two courts at Grays are set aside as Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, dealing with pre-trial hearings, pre-sentencing reports and trials. The court sees an average of 20 cases each week, the majority of which are first appearances.
Since January 2009 a further specialist domestic violence court has been held at Basildon Magistrates' Court each Thursday.
Independent domestic violence advisers provide dedicated support for victims of domestic violence. Basildon and Thurrock Women’s Aid groups work closely with the Essex Criminal Justice Board to provide a special training programme for them and others involved with domestic violence victims.
The Specialist Domestic Violence Court at Grays serves the towns of Brentwood, Basildon, Billericay, Corringham, Grays, Stanford-le-Hope, Tilbury and Wickford. The first Specialist Domestic Violence Court accreditation process took place in 2005/06 with 25 accredited in April 2006. There are currently 122 accredited specialist domestic violence courts.
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