Jenny Kemp on Domestic Abuse Courts in Scotland

Tuesday, 13th December, 2011

BBC: Good Morning Scotland, 13th Dec.

Jenny Kemp of Zero Tolerance spoke on the Good Morning Scotland radio programme following the announcment that Edinburgh is to pilot a domestic abuse court.

Listen on BBC i player (from 1:12)

Scotsman, 13 Dec 2011

A domestic abuse court is to be piloted to try to improve the way allegations are dealt with in the criminal justice system, the Crown Office has said.

The pilot will be carried out at Edinburgh Sheriff Court next year and will see specialist prosecutors, police liaison officers, advocacy workers and sheriffs come together to deal with domestic abuse cases from the south and east of the city.

Any offences committed from December 9 onwards will be dealt with by the service, with the first court held on February 7.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said the new approach will mean better provision for victims who will be offered support from specialist agencies with expertise in domestic abuse.

Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Service will be available to help female victims throughout the criminal process, while male victims will be offered support by Assist (Advocacy Support Safety Information Services Together).

Read the article in full.