Doncaster Council

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a crime. It encompasses a range of abusive behaviour, violence or abuse (either physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender. If you are experiencing domestic violence than help is available:

• South Yorkshire Police - 0114 2 202020 or in an emergency 999
• Doncaster Women’s Aid -  01302 326411
• Adult Protection - 01302 736939 
• Victim Support - 01302 365 531

Further information can also be found by visiting the following websites:

• www.dvforum.co.uk
• www.doncaster-womens-aid.co.uk
• www.victimsupport.org.uk

Doncaster Council is committed to working with its partners to improve services and support for people suffering the effects of domestic violence. This includes:

• Currently chairing the domestic violence working party, a multi agency group working together to provide support for people experiencing domestic violence
• Provision of domestic violence awareness training for staff and volunteers from statutory and voluntary agencies 
• Supporting the domestic violence court programme
• Participation in multi-agency risk assessment conferences for high risk cases
• Appointment of independent Domestic Violence Advocate, on behalf of the Safer Doncaster Partnership     
  

Domestic Violence Court

Doncaster was chosen as one of 50 pilot areas across the UK to take part in a government initiative which offers increased support to victims of domestic violence as their cases go through the court process. 

As part of the Specialist Domestic Violence Court Programme an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate has been appointed whose role it is to support victims throughout the process and ensure that all agencies work effectively together to bring more offenders to justice.

The Domestic Violence Court enhances the service that Doncaster already offers victims of domestic violence through streamlining the court process and offering additional support, for the most serious cases, which will hopefully encourage more victims to come forward to report domestic violence and to see the trial through to a conviction. 
 
Some of the specific measures which other specialist courts have used to bring about improvements include the provision of dedicated prosecutors, magistrates, legal advisors and Police officers who specialise in domestic violence cases, the fast-tracking of cases, or a clustering of cases together to make the courts run more effectively; and where possible, separate entrances and waiting areas so that victims are not confronted while attending court. 

For further information contact Dennis Atkin, Domestic Violence Manager on 01302 736943 or email dennis.atkin@doncaster.gov.uk 

For further information or advice on any issues of domestic violence go to Doncaster’s Domestic Violence Forum www.dvforum.co.uk