Warrington Domestic Abuse Court reopens

The specialist court dedicated solely to dealing with cases of domestic abuse has reopened in Warrington.

The Domestic Abuse Court, previously based at Chester Magistrates’ Court, was temporarily put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic but this week has resumed at Warrington Magistrates’ Court.

Within this court, any case where there is a charge for a domestic abuse offence will be heard and will remain there unless a trial is required. This helps to ensure consistency in how cases are prepared and dealt with.

There has been an increase in the number of Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) being issued with a total of 70 in this year alone compared to 32 issued in January to March 2021.

A DVPN is an emergency non-molestation and eviction notice that protects victims so that police and courts can put in place protective measures in the immediate aftermath of domestic violence where there is insufficient evidence to charge.

Assistant Chief Constable Una Jennings said: “We understand how important it is to deliver justice against perpetrators of domestic abuse as quickly as possible for victims.

Anyone with concerns regarding domestic abuse can do so by calling 101, report it online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/ 

We know not all victims of domestic abuse want to speak to police, advice can be sought from Open the Door via www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk