A third of domestic violence prosecutions in Sussex fail (From The Argus)

A third of domestic violence prosecutions in Sussex fail

12:30pm Thursday 26th November 2009 in

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Almost a third of prosecutions for Domestic violence against women in Sussex fail in court, new figures show.

The Government has now launched a national plan to boost conviction rates while doing more to stop violence developing in the first place.

The Crown Prosecution Service figures show 1,706 people in Sussex were prosecuted for violence against women in 2007/8 with 554, or 32.5%, unsuccessful.

A new government report says although more female victims have been encouraged to report crimes to the police and more offenders have been brought to justice, new laws and new technology such as DNA testing are not having the full impact they could have.

Teenagers are to be targeted with a high profile marketing campaign and the subject of violence in relationships is being introduced into the National Curriculum in 2011.

Other work includes more than £13 million of funding to help support victims, new helplines and a trial of domestic violence protection orders.

These ban attackers from victims homes and give them space to apply for longer-term protection.

Brighton and Hove is backing the drive against domestic violence by highlighting services available in the city.

City councillor Dee Simson, cabinet member for community affairs and inclusion, said: "Violence against women and girls is unacceptable in any form.

“Domestic violence has in the past often been hidden, a crime taking place behind closed doors.

“It's all the more shocking as the victims know the people who are perpetrating a range of abusive behaviour against them.

“It can also have a devastating effect on the wellbeing of children who witness violence in their homes.

“We don't want these families to be suffering in silence.”

Projects in the city include the women's refuge centre, Rise, and Break for Change, a group that tackles the issues surrounding children who attack their parents or carers.