Oldham gets tough on domestic abuse

VICTIMS of domestic abuse can now get help from a new Domestic Violence Court at Oldham Magistrates court, which sits once a week and brings together specially-trained magistrates, prosecutors and legal staff to streamline the system.

Domestic abuse victims are supported from initial contact to final prosecution and beyond. Reporter BEATRIZ AYALA found out how the system will work.
DOMESTIC violence is classed as any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are, or have been, in a relationship, or between family members.

It can affect anybody, regardless of gender or sexuality, although women are more likely to be victims.

The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional. But whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident, rather a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which an abuser seeks power over their family member or partner.

Now, a new way of working in Oldham will bring swift justice to abusers and support victims from their initial call, to prosecution and beyond.

Sitting every Wednesday at Oldham Magistrates Court, a Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) will specifically target domestic abusers.

The court is part of a co-ordinated approach against domestic abuse that involves a range of other organisations, such as children’s services and housing, which support the victim at every stage.

Once a week, magistrates trained in domestic abuse matters will deal with bail hearings and sentencing related to domestic violence.

Trials are heard throughout the week in different courts to speed up the legal process and avoid any backlogs before being brought back to the Wednesday court for sentencing.

The new specialist court brings together experienced prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and independent domestic abuse advisers, who attend to provide updated information to victims.

Background information about the victim and crime is given during hearings so magistrates can sentence accordingly.

Cases which may not be obviously linked to domestic violence, such as criminal damage to property, will be brought before the court.

And a full range of punishments such as fines, drug and alcohol programmes, sit alongside custodial sentences.

After sentencing, court reports on each case will be distributed among partner groups so they can bring tailored help to each individual victim and their family.

Lindsey Wheelhouse, Oldham’s domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: “The Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC) are there to increase people’s confidence in the criminal justice system.

“We are looking to dispel myths and say it is not all about custodial sentences, there are fines and compensations, alcohol and drugs programmes, it’s not just about locking a person up.

“The system is here to give the victim a voice, its more than just a court sitting on a Wednesday.”

Martin Hill, divisional crown prosecutor for Oldham Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Time is of the essence in domestic abuse cases.

“The longer things go on, the more pressure there is for people to retract statements or be influenced.

“Hearing domestic abuse trials in other courts speeds up the progress, as is having a specific court for sentencing.

“The SDVC also helps dispel people’s assumptions and misconceptions.

“People believe if they call the police, the abuser will go to prison so decide not to call, or they think they will have to go to court to give evidence. But a domestic abuse charge is not normally contested so it would be rare that a victim would give evidence.

“And there are a range of different sentences available.

“One of the things we can do is if a victim writes to the court asking for leniency for the abuser, our advisers can check with the victim that the letter has come from them, they haven’t been pressurised to send it and they are completely happy with what is being said.

“This is about putting together all the pieces of the jigsaw to build the bigger picture.”

Oldham received national accreditation for the specialist court last month following a successful pilot scheme in February.

It is now one of 141 specialist courts across the country tackling domestic abuse.

First tried in other parts of the country, these courts have seen an increase in the number of guilty pleas and have boosted victims’ confidence in the legal system.

Lindsey added: “It is about people feeling more involved, building confidence and for the process to be made easier for victims.

“Also, it’s about putting out a message that we are taking the issue of domestic abuse seriously.”

l To contact the Oldham Domestic Abuse Unit call 0161-856 8961. In an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life or property, always call 999.