Government must reconsider Domestic Abuse Courts roll-out

23/1/08

Margaret Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to reconsider their decision not to roll out domestic abuse courts across Scotland. Following comments from the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police earlier this week on the success of the pilot court in Glasgow, the Edinburgh West MSP asked the First Minister today if the issue of funding for further domestic abuse courts would be revisited.

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“We must do all that we can to tackle domestic abuse and to protect and support victims of domestic abuse and their families. If the courts are seen to be an effective way of dealing with the problem then more people will come forward and report incidents of abuse, meaning more people can get the help they need.

“The domestic abuse court pilot in Glasgow dealt with over one thousand cases in its first two years and resulted in increased conviction rates and faster processing of cases. The system also provides much better information, advice and support to the victims of domestic abuse. If experts like the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police believe there is a strong case for a national roll out of these courts, I feel the Scottish Government should look again at their decision not to do this.

“Domestic Abuse is on the increase in Scotland, devastating more and more families, so I was deeply disappointed that the First Minister seemed content to continue to delay any real discussions regarding the expansion beyond Glasgow of domestic abuse courts, which have been proved to be effective.”