8:20am Tuesday 6th March 2007
By Alex Ali
FRIENDS of victims of domestic violence are urged to report offences under a new advertising campaign.
The "Enough" poster, press and radio campaign runs until the end of March, marks the start of domestic violence month and forms part of ongoing Government work to tackle domestic violence. It also coincides with the introduction of specialist domestic violence courts.
Victims often tell someone about their abuse - usually a friend or family member. The campaign urges them, as well as victims, to seek support from the National Domestic Violence Helpline.
Home Secretary John Reid said: "Public protection is my top priority, whether it is on the streets or in the home. Over the last ten years figures show domestic violence has fallen by 64 per cent, but there is still more to do to urge victims to come forward and seek the help that is out there. I am committed to doing everything I can to help victims of domestic violence."
There are now more than 60 specialist domestic violence courts across England and Wales, including ones in Brent and Croydon. Special measures the courts use include fast-tracking and clustering domestic violence cases so that the courts run more effectively. Some courts also have separate entrances and waiting areas so that victims do not run into their attackers.
Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland said: "Everyone should be able to live without the fear of violence and abuse in their own homes. But we know that for too many people, especially women and children, that fear is present everyday.
"There is no excuse for domestic violence. This campaign looks to raise awareness of the help and support that is available and urges victims, and their friends and families, to come forward and report crimes.
In London last year, there were more than 101,000 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police, and the specialist courts are being set up to ensure victims are better supported and protected, while bringing more perpetrators to justice. In London, the total cost of domestic violence services and lost economic output is £809 million a year.
Successful prosecutions in domestic violence cases have increased from 46 per cent in December 2003 to 65 per cent in December 2006, with specialist court prosecutions rising to 71 per cent.
Alongside the courts, the Government is also funding Independent Domestic Violence Advisors IDVAs to provide professional support to victims throughout the process of their case and ensure their safety is co-ordinated across the criminal justice system.
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