Domestic Abuse – What happens if you go to court?

For all victims of crime, going to court can be a daunting prospect. But for those who have suffered domestic abuse having to potentially face their abuser can be of huge concern.

However, the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are well aware of the particular issues that domestic abuse cases can cause and there is specific support in place.

What is the Crown Prosecution Service?

The CPS is the organisation that brings a case to court. The police force’s role is to investigate an offence, create a case and then submit that to the CPS who then prosecute that case at court.

The CPS work closely with officers to ensure the strongest possible case is brought to court and ensure the most realistic prospect of conviction.

Often, the best person to explain to a jury what has occurred is the person who has been the victim in the case. They are able to explain in their own words what occurred and who carried out the crime.

Does that mean I need to attend court?

The simple answer is: possibly.

The CPS has a proactive approach to building a case that means that a victim does not have to attend court. That includes the use of police body-worn video and 999 calls where appropriate.

Where a victim is required to attend court there are a number of measures that can be put in place to ensure that the evidence is given in a way that minimises the impact on the person giving evidence.

This can include:

• Screens to shield the witness from the defendant
• A live video link to enable the witness to give evidence from a separate room
• Evidence in private, with the court cleared of the public and most journalists
• Giving evidence by a video-recorded interview 

You can read more about in court here.

What other support is there?

The CPS, along with the police, work closely with Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) who support victims of abuse who are at high risk from the initial point of crisis, throughout the court process and beyond. The CPS also has trained domestic abuse prosecutors across England and Wales.

There are a number of specialist support agencies which can provide assistance to victims in many areas of England and Wales. These may include: outreach workers, refuge provision, Women's Aid, Refuge, Victim Support Volunteers and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs).

Witness Care Units will also provide you with up-to-date information about how the case is progressing and ensure that your specific needs are considered throughout.

Find out more about the support for victims of domestic abuse

You can learn more about the CPS and how it prosecutes domestic abuse cases by clicking here: https://www.cps.gov.uk/domestic-abuse

There is also a wealth of support services that are on offer to help people who may be suffering abuse, or may be worried about a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour by visiting: http://www.core-derbyshire.com/types-crime/domestic-abuse

If you are outside Derbyshire and want to find out more about Domestic Abuse, along with links to agencies that offer support, then visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

If you are a victim or are concerned about a loved one, neighbour or colleague and want free, confidential advice and support call 0800 198 668 for those in Derbyshire and 07812 300 927 for those in Derby city.

How to keep internet activity secret

An element of domestic abuse may include the abuser checking your phone or computer.

If you are accessing support websites then this is best done on a computer that the abuser does not have access to, at work or a local library for instance.

However, if this is not possible then you can find out how to how to keep you internet activity secret and how to delete websites and searches from your computer here: https://www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/cms/content/internet-safety