THE North’s most senior judge says he hopes a pilot scheme in Derry to help victims of domestic violence give evidence in court will be rolled out in all courts.
Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan was in Derry yesterday to meet staff at Foyle Woman’s Aid.
The pilot scheme at Bishop Street Courthouse has been running for two years in Derry.
The scheme means that domestic violence cases are all heard by a single judge on a particular day of the month in a specialist listing.
‘Enhanced arrangements’ ensure victims have access to appropriate support services and efforts are also made to ensure victims and alleged perpetrators do not see each other before hearings as is currently the case in many courts.
Increased support for victims involved in the pilot has encouraged them to remain in the notoriously difficult process.