Additional Support Information
Specialist Domestic Violence Court
The specialist domestic violence court has been accredited by the Ministry of Justice and is fundamental part of improving the support and care provided for victims of domestic violence.
A multi-agency approach is central to the success of the court: police, prosecutors court staff, the probation service and specialist support services work together to identify, track and risk assess domestic violence cases, support victims and share information so that more offenders are brought to justice. Amongst the features are:
- specially trained magistrates in dealing with domestic violence
- separate entrances, exits and waiting areas so that victims don't come into contact with their attackers
- cases clustered on a particular day or fast-tracked through the system, limiting the likelihood of further incidents
- tailored support and advice from Independent Domestic Violence Advisers is given to victims
The specialist domestic violence court sits at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court at Bedlington for cases in the South East and part of North Northumberland and cases in the west of Northumberland are heard at the specialist domestic violence court in Newcastle upon Tyne Magistrates Court. (Cases in the Berwick area are heard at Berwick Magistrates Court)
MARAC
The Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) involves agencies who meet to discuss the high risk victims of Domestic Violence in Northumberland.
Information about the risks faced by those victims, the actions needed to ensure safety and the resources available locally is shared and used to create a risk management plan involving all agencies.
The aim of the MARAC is to increase the safety, health and well-being of the victim - adults and any children. It also ensures that the most appropriate action is taken against the offender.
Referrals are made to the MARAC by trained staff within agencies using an agreed risk assessment tool and the Northumberland MARAC meets on fortnightly basis.
