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Prosecution

Prosecution can be a difficult step for many victims of domestic and sexual violence. The idea of confronting the perpetrator in court can be a very frightening prospect. Domestic and sexual violence crimes are mostly committed behind closed doors so it is often the victim's word against the perpetrators in court. Rates of conviction for domestic and sexual violence are considerable low, with rape conviction rates at 7.1% in South Wales (2007). Specialist Domestic Violence Courts have been set up to provider greater safety for victims and to hold perpetrators to account. A number of organisations can help you through the court process.

Contacts

Women's Safety Unit
Contact: Tel: 029 2022 2022

  • Independent Domestic Violence Advocate - Provides support and advice on court procedures and can accompany women to court. They provide advice and information on other services such as benefits and housing. They can provide a risk assessment and safety planning.
  • Solicitor Visits - Women can attend a free hour long appointment with a solicitor who can give them advice on civil and criminal procedure options.


South Wales Police
Contact: In an emergency call 999
South Wales Police Domestic Abuse Unit Tel: 029 2057 1569

  • Emergency Response - This is a general response for all victims at all times - 999
  • Critical Marker - Markers that notify the police that they have previously been victim of domestic abuse, are placed on addresses of very high risk victims' homes and other associated addresses, such as family, work place, refuge, children's schools and so on.
  • Home Visits - Police carry out home visits to very high risk victims.
  • Police Watch - Uniformed officers then either walk or drive by the victim's address regularly to ensure all is in order for victims at a very high risk.
  • Cocoon Watch - This is where immediate neighbours of a very high risk victim's residence agree to phone the police in the instance of a domestic incident.


Ynys Staff - Cardiff Sexual Assault Referral Clinic
Contact: Self referral, police or other agency at:
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 0SZ
Tel: 02920 335 795

  • Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVA) - Provide support including emotional support (distinctly different to counselling), by exploring coping strategies, assessing safety, well-being and response to trauma and anxiety. Assistance in approaching and dealing with the police and courts.
  • Medical - Forensic Medical Examinations are carried out by a specially trained doctor. It can also be carried out if the victim has not yet decided to talk to the police which means they will have a choice of providing this evidence if they decide to report at a later date.


South Wales Probation
Contact:
Tel: 029 2023 2999

Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme - Perpetrator Programme for convicted offenders which focuses on concepts like control and misuse of power. Offenders are expected to talk openly about their violence to the group, and listen to others' experiences - this, along with the educational content of the course has been proven to help violent men recognise the impact of their violence, take responsibility for their actions and eventually stop their violent behaviour.


Cardiff Women's Aid
Via drop-in, appointment or telephone:
16 Moira Terrace, Adamsdown, Cardiff, CF23 6HE
Tel: 02920 460566

  • Crisis intervention - Confidential appointment & drop-in service close to the city centre. Support includes safety planning, housing options, target hardening, advocacy, police/criminal justice liaison, emotional support and referrals.


Victim Support
Contact: 08456 121 900

  • Victim Support Community Service - Emotional and practical support delivered in the victims' home or other suitable venue.
  • Witness Service - Supporting victims and witnesses at court. Including pre trial visits and enhanced service for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.
  • Victim Support + - Individual needs assessment. Commission services on victims' behalf including advocacy, CICA, security, counselling, transport.


Henna Foundation
Contact Tel: 02920 498600/496920
Email:info@hennafoundation.org

Court Work - Civil & criminal case appointments to undertake Honour Based Violence and forced marriage (specialist) case assessments.