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Domestic abuse victims 'to be assisted in divorce efforts by new courts'
Women who are the victims of domestic abuse are to be given additional support in getting divorces thanks to new courts.
Supported by solicitor-general Vera Baird, the "one-stop" courts would enable such people to begin divorce and child-custody proceedings immediately.
They are intended to encourage women to come forward when they are abused.
The move comes in response to concerns that many battered women are put off taking legal action because they have to go through the criminal and civil courts on a number of occasions.
Judges presiding over the courts will have the power to impose prison sentences, restraining orders and injunctions.
Steve Connor, chief executive of the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), said: "It's definitely a good idea to establish a one-stop shop where people suffering domestic abuse can get relief from all their problems."
The NCDV provides an emergency service for the survivors of domestic violence and is available to people regardless of their financial position.
11/08/2009 11:59
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