Domestic violence courts' success

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Figures released by the Government to mark International Women's Day show the 23 specialist courts introduced in 2004 have dramatically better prosecution levels.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said she was allocating an extra £1 million to boost victim support schemes.

"Improving the support available to the courageous victims of these devastating crimes is crucial in encouraging people to come forward," she added.

The specialist courts are designed to be more victim-friendly, with separate entrances, exits and waiting areas from suspects.

Of the 23 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, 10 achieved a successful prosecution rate of over 70% over the past six months, with one reaching over 80%, and the other 12 66% on average.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, said domestic violence convictions had risen by nearly a quarter since the end of 2003.

"These courts have helped improve our prosecution performance nationally," he said.

"By December 2007 all courts in England and Wales had reached an average of just under 70% successful outcomes.

"This is a dramatic improvement when compared with only 46% of cases being prosecuted successfully in December 2003."