A dedicated domestic abuse court is to be piloted at Livingston Sheriff Court from Thursday 16th February. The new multi-agency pilot will improve the service domestic abuse victims in West Lothian receive from the criminal justice system. The pilot will initially run for 12 months.
The pilot reflects the Scottish Government's commitment to tackling the issue of domestic abuse, and learns from the innovative and successful approach adopted in Glasgow. The concept and design of the court is a result of close multi agency co-operation and co-ordination.
The court brings together a number of agencies who currently work with those affected by domestic abuse: the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Lothian and Borders Police, Scottish Court Service, Victim Support Scotland's Witness Service and West Lothian Council's Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Team (DASAT).
The pilot seeks to commence trials within eight to ten weeks of an accused's first appearance in court. This swift response will be coupled with the offer of support to victims by a DASAT worker who will provide the link between the victim and the criminal court process. All the cases will be dealt with in court by designated prosecutors and sheriffs to build expertise, consistency and quality of response.
