ROCHDALE magistrates could have a special court to deal with domestic violence cases, it has been revealed.

In connection with the police, the court has applied to the Justices Issues Group to have a dedicated court every Tuesday.

If approved the court will be introduced in the Spring and will reduce the time taken to deal with abusers, make the process easier for victims and allow the court, Crown Prosecution Service and probation service to assign dedicated staff who have been specially trained.

Deputy Justices Clerk, Fred Wood, said: "Domestic violence is a growing problem and there are many cases that are brought to the attention of the police that don't always get to court.

"But there are at least half a dozen of these cases heard at court each week.

"The majority of offenders brought to court plead guilty so they are dealt with there and then.

"If the court is approved it will identify this issue as a serious offence.

"It is hoped that having this special court will lead to more people coming forward, if they know there is a special arrangement in place.

"This will allow the CPS to allocate dedicated prosecutors and the legal staff will also have special training.

"The court should basically offer positive reassurance to victims and a service that will make people more willing to put their problems in the hands of the police and the court."

Meanwhile the police have also launched a pilot scheme in connection with the Domestic Violence Forum, which sees support workers in back-up cars travelling with police to reports of domestic violence.

Statistics released in 1996 show that on average victims suffer an average of 35 assaults before they report the abuse to the police and of these attacks only a small percentage are taken to court.

The support workers are on hand to provide support to victims at the sceneand work with them throughout the legal process.

Superintendent Martin Greenhalgh, said: "In terms of victims, some require help to come forward and enter into the criminal justice system, they often feel frightened, intimidated and uncomfortable.

"We need to do as much as possible to make them feel comfortable.

"During the pilot scheme for every case we've attended, dedicated officers visit the victim to reassure them and if at any point they feel nervous the team can come back in and give them help support and guidance.

"I don't think we are different from anywhere else in the country, but it is a hidden problem that we are determined to get to grips with.

"Our target is to increase the level of reports and identify the number of repeat victims."

For abusers sentenced at court a frequent requirement is that they take part in the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP) run by Greater Manchester Probation Trust.

IDAP is a behavioural programme, which seeks to get men to question their attitudes towards women, address their behaviour and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.

GMPT's assistant chief executive, Joe Tumelty, said: "A number of different techniques are used to get men to identify their core beliefs, which underpin their abusive and controlling behaviours.

"It aims to get men to question what they are trying to achieve by shouting, becoming aggressive and by carrying out violent actions."

Support workers will be on call again with the police over Christmas, a peak time for domestic abuse.

If the results from these trials are positive it is hoped that the scheme will be introduced permanently at peak times throughout the year, which include school holidays and major sporting events.

Victims of domestic abuse are advised to call 999 in an emergency or for non-emergencies call 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

To speak to a member of The Domestic Violence Forum contact 718923 or for more information visit www.riadf.org.uk.

Tweet