Domestic abuse courts open in four Sussex areas

Sussex Police chief constable said the impact on victims would be "huge"

Specialist domestic abuse courts have opened in four Sussex areas.

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner said the new courts were "up and running" in Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton and Worthing.

Katy Bourne, the police and crime commissioner for the county, said the courts will deal with defendants charged with any domestic abuse offence which would otherwise go to a magistrates' court.

Ms Shiner told a Sussex police performance and accountability meeting: “The actual impact on Sussex Police is pretty minimal, but the impact on victims is huge.”

The new courts will also consider sentencing, breaches and variations of orders relating to any domestic abuse offences, including restraining orders, domestic violence prevention orders, non-molestation orders and other related cases.

Independent domestic violence advocates (IDVA) will support and keep victims informed throughout the prosecution process, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They can also attend court on behalf of victims during sentencing hearings.

Ms Shiner said IDVAs provided assurance to victims during an "understandably very stressful time".

Courts are open in Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings

Requests in Sussex made under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, known as Clare's Law, increased by 50% in the year to March 2024 compared with the year-earlier period, according to Ms Shiner.

The scheme give anyone the right to ask police about their current or ex-partner's history with domestic abuse or violence, or to ask on behalf of others.

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.