Domestic abuse victims are set to receive more support as their cases progress through the courts, following a government announcement of an additional £5 million in funding.
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves said that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will be allocated the sum over two years, specifically to aid victims who have reported domestic abuse to the police.
The funding is understood to be targeted at "the most serious" domestic abuse cases.
The new initiative will enable victims to meet with prosecutors ahead of Crown Court trials, offering an opportunity to ask questions about the court process.
The scheme will also see an increase in the number of dedicated domestic abuse victim liaison officers.
Pilot programmes for these changes will be rolled out in three regions: Yorkshire and Humber, Merseyside and Cheshire, and a combined area covering Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Reeves said that the changes would ensure that victims' "voices are heard" and help to prevent them from withdrawing from court cases.
She added: "This offer is already available to victims of rape and serious sexual assault across the country. I know from speaking with prosecutors and victims the difference these meetings can make, and I’m pleased to see it extended to victims of domestic abuse."
Labour MP for Congleton, Sarah Russell, welcomed the news, highlighting the "shamefully low" prosecution rates for cases involving violence against women and girls.
"I strongly welcome the Government’s ambition to tackle violence against women and girls," she said.
Kate Brown, the CPS’s national lead for domestic abuse, said: "For many victims of domestic abuse, the path to justice might feel overwhelming. After such isolating and frightening experiences, the criminal justice system must be a place where victims feel supported, heard and able to move forward.
"Today’s funding announcement shows the real difference support for victims makes. By expanding existing pilots, we are making sure more domestic abuse victims feel informed and protected at every stage."
The national domestic abuse helpline offers support for women on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Refuge website. There is a dedicated men's advice line on 0808 8010 327.
Those in the US can call the domestic violence hotline on 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org.
