DOMESTIC violence affects a number of people irrespective of their age, ethnicity or employment status.

There has been growing concern as far as the Government and agencies who have to cope and advise about domestic violence, that women in particular are not getting the protection from the legal system that they should have.

Indeed a Home Office circular in 1999 titled "living without fear", stated that women experiencing domestic violence are entitled to protection and a legal system which supports them properly.

As a result of this concern, the agencies that have to deal with domestic violence issues have now developed a new Court Project, which provides greater help and protection to the victims of domestic violence.

Prior to the project being set up, a number of women who had experienced domestic violence were asked for their views. This article explains their concerns and how the new Court Project will help those particular women. Q: HOW DID WOMEN FEEL THE POLICE RESPONDED TO THEIR COMPLAINTS?

A: Responses from the police to the incidents were inconsistent. Some women felt that the police really did not help them, whereas others felt unsafe after the officer left their property -- as they feared the return of their violent partner. Many women did not believe that their stories were believed. Some had been told that they were over-reacting.

Q: WHAT CONCERNS DID THE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAVE IN RESPECT OF INSTIGATING CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS?

A: Some women felt under pressure to drop charges. Many women did not press charges through fear of further abuse. Some women pressed charges and then withdrew the allegations as a result of request from their children, from the police, and the cost of legal fees, which is surprising as the state bears the cost of criminal prosecution.

Q: HAVE EXPERIENCES IN COURT DETERRED WOMEN FROM PURSUING COMPLAINTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

A: Yes. Some respondents felt that the magistrates did not understand domestic violence issues. Moreover some women felt that more support and better explanations of court procedures should have been provided to them. Some women had been threatened or subjected to further abuse because they had tried to protect themselves through legal channels.

Q: SO HOW DOES THE DOMESTIC COURT VIOLENCE PROJECT ASSIST?

A: By providing victims of domestic violence with information concerning both criminal and the civil justice processors, bail conditions, support costs and options -- to ensure all agencies who have to deal with domestic violence situations respond in a consistent manner. Perhaps most importantly of all, providing co-ordinated support and protection for women before, during and after the court process. Indeed there is now a 24-hour help-line available to the victims of domestic violence. As soon as an incident has occurred and reported to the police in which they can contact a solicitor who will advise them about the availability of injunctions and the affect of police bail conditions.

The Bolton Domestic Violence Court Project has been in operation since April 6, 2001, and it is hoped through continued support to the victims of domestic violence, that people will not be deterred in seeking legal redress for the abuse they have received at the hands of a violent partner.

If you have any questions in relation to the Domestic Violence Court Project then please contact: Andrew Creswell of Garstangs Solicitors, Bradshawgate Chambers, 57-61 Bradshawgate, Bolton, BL1 1DU. Tel: 01204 531118.