EXIT SITE Home About Us CCR Network Our Work Resources Training & Consultancy Events & Campaigns Get In Touch Get Support Donate Criminal Justice “I am confident that the Specialist Domestic Abuse Court at Hammersmith Magistrates Court saved much human misery and doubtless saved some lives too” – District Judge What we do In 2002, Standing Together was instrumental in the development of one of the UK's first Specialist Domestic Abuse Court (SDAC) at Hammersmith Magistrates' Court, London. In 2012, Standing Together established another SDAC at Westminster Magistrates Court. Both SDACs continue to operate at Westminster Magistrates Court, coordinated by Standing Together in partnership with local criminal justice and voluntary services. We track cases, coordinate support agencies from all sectors, produce resource packs, produce data reports and conduct annual reviews of the SDACs. For more information about the operational work we do to coordinate the courts, please see our Briefing Sheet. Criminal Justice Resources History of the DA Courts & an Introduction to SDACs SDACs & Standing Together’s Coordination Criminal Justice & DA Briefing Covid-19 Guidance for Criminal Justice Partners Responding to DA Adult Family Violence Briefing Specialist Domestic Abuse Courts (SDACs) form part of a collaborative approach to tackling the complexities of domestic abuse. The approach situates the Court and the Criminal Justice System as part of a Coordinated Community Response to domestic abuse and refers to a whole system, rather than simply a court building or jurisdiction. Working together, specialist courts help to ensure the safety of the victim by identifying, tracking and risk-assessing domestic abuse, supporting victims, and sharing information effectively. The approach has been shown to increase safe outcomes for survivors, help increase convictions and reduce attrition and withdrawal rates for these cases. Underpinning the SDAC are protocols reflecting the agreed aims of the local strategic partnership and commitment of each agency in achieving the aims. We believe that SDACs should be a fundamental part of the government’s efforts to improve the support and protection provided to victims of domestic violence and abuse. What we can do for you We can help you set up and operate a Specialist Domestic Abuse Court in your local area. If you already have an SDAC, we can evaluate and identify areas for improvement in operational work, data collection and performance management as well referral pathways and protocols. Please contact us to find out more. “Having information regarding domestic violence history is important. A specially trained Bench is crucial in imposing the right type of sentence. The multi-agency approach really does help. It is important for the SDVC to continue as it is a valuable response.” — Senior Probation Officer “I am very pleased to have received such understanding and support whilst going through this process. I feel that this has benefited myself and others whom have suffered domestic violence – if the occasion arose again I would not hesitate to press charges” — Survivor of domestic abuse Our charity About Us Privacy policy Contact us Get In touch Work with us Follow Twitter Facebook Instagram Charity Number : 1088844 | Company Number: 4283131 By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information. OK