Court trial makes a stand

A NEW court has been set up to help victims of domestic abuse following a succesful pilot scheme.

The Specialist Domestic Abuse Court, based within Oldham Magistrates’ Court, is one of 14 newly accredited courts across England and Wales and aims to provide a more effective service for victims.

The court sits once a week and is staffed by specially trained magistrates and legal advisers.

Lindsey Wheelhouse, Oldham’s domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: “The court has been successfully running as a pilot scheme since February.

“To receive accreditation is testament to the dedication of Greater Manchester Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, Oldham Magistrates’ Court and the Probation Service to ensure victims of domestic abuse know that justice has been done.

“By putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system we can give people the confidence to come forward and report domestic abuse, knowing the court process has been made as efficient as possible and their needs and safety considered.

“Having this specialist support in place helps to ensure victims feel informed and involved in the court process.”

Superintendent Catherine Hankinson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Domestic abuse is a deplorable crime and we are committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.

“By working together with the relevant authorities to put the needs of victims first, we are empowering them to report offences and offering vital reassurance to the borough.”

Martin Hill, Oldham Divisional Crown Prosecutor, said they fully supported the scheme.

He said: “It is clear that in any domestic abuse case the best outcome has to be the one that ensures the safety of the victim and brings the offender to justice.”

To contact the Oldham Domestic Abuse Unit call 0161-856 8961.

Or to speak to someone confidentially, contact the Oldham Family Crisis Group on 0161-628 4991.