Prosecutors swap ideas to home in on domestic violence

The Crown Prosecution Service last week unveiled a national network of domestic violence co-ordinators to take forward its revised policy for prosecuting such cases.The policy says that if the victim withdraws a complaint or decides not to give evidence, the CPS - in deciding whether to continue with the case - must consider the seriousness of the offence, if the defendant planned the attack, the effect on any children, and the defendant's criminal history.The network consists of prosecutors from all 42 areas sharing ideas and information.

Its first meeting was held last week, with the next scheduled for February.The Attorney-General, Lord Goldsmith QC, said: 'Nearly 50% of women retract statements or ask for cases to be dropped after making initial complaints on domestic violence.

Now for the first time we have guidance for prosecutors to help them decide whether they have enough evidence to proceed with the case.'Andrew Towler