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UK Pledges £5 Million to CPS for Pilot Supporting Domestic Abuse Victims in Court

A two-year trial in three regions will test pre-trial prosecutor meetings to curb withdrawals from the most serious domestic abuse cases.

Overview

  • Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said the Crown Prosecution Service will receive the funding over two years to support people who have reported domestic abuse to police.
  • The pilot will let victims meet prosecutors before Crown Court trials to ask questions about the process.
  • Plans include increasing the number of dedicated domestic abuse victim liaison officers in participating areas.
  • The rollout covers Yorkshire and the Humber, Merseyside and Cheshire, and a combined area of Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
  • Officials note the approach extends support already available in rape and serious sexual assault cases, with CPS leaders and a Labour MP welcoming the move and citing low prosecution rates.