A report investigating the available court support for victims of domestic abuse was published earlier this month. The report was commissioned by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to highlight the support victims and survivors of domestic abuse are receiving in both the criminal and family justice system. The report highlighted the vital role that Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) play, but that they are often being overlooked, or prohibited from supporting victims in court.
“Over a third (37%) of victims and survivors felt their experience improved because they had a court IDVA. Yet the report findings show how the majority of survivors are not receiving dedicated court support, and many are receiving no support at all…Significantly one in five (21%) of IDVA were prohibited from supporting victims in court. These findings contradict the Victim’s Code.”
Click here to read the full report.