Hampshire included in pilot scheme to support domestic violence victims
The government has said domestic abuse victims will be able to get better support as their cases pass through the courts, as it announced £5m more in funding - with Hampshire included in the pilot scheme.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said the Crown Prosecution Service would get the sum over two years to help victims who have gone to the police about domestic abuse.
The scheme will mean victims of crime will be able to meet prosecutors ahead of crown court trials. It is hoped this means victims will be able to ask questions about the court process. There will also be more domestic abuse victim liaison officers.
The pilots will run in three areas; Yorkshire and Humber, Merseyside and Cheshire, and a region covering Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Domestic abuse continues to be the largest known driver of violence in Portsmouth, accounting for 37% of assaults.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Reeves said the changes would mean victims’ “voices are heard” and would help prevent them dropping out of court cases. She continued: “This offer is already available to victims of rape and serious sexual assault across the country.
“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.”
Labour MP for Congleton Sarah Russell, who asked about increasing prosecution rates for violence against women and girls, said: “I very much welcome that news. The prosecution rates for cases involving violence against women and girls are shamefully low.
“I strongly welcome the Government’s ambition to tackle violence against women and girls.”