New court for domestic violence

A Buckinghamshire court has been given specialist status to improve its handling of domestic violence cases.

A trained panel of judges is hearing domestic violence trials in Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court once a month.

An independent Domestic Violence Advisor has also been appointed by charity Women's Aid to help victims through the court process.

The advisor will give victims practical and emotional support, helping them gain the confidence to give evidence.

It is hoped the new panel of judges will hear cases more quickly and effectively.

The government has been encouraging applications for the specialist status since it was established two years ago.

There are now almost 100 such courts in place across the country.