Women’s Aid to offer specialist court support to women affected by domestic abuse
A NEW service providing specialist support to women affected by domestic abuse in Shetland as they go through court proceedings has been launched today (Thursday).
Shetland Women’s Aid has launched the domestic abuse court advocacy (DACA), which will help women both locally and on the Scottish mainland.
DACA provides specialist advocacy to women whose partner or ex-partner is accused in a domestic abuse case which is progressing, or likely to progress, through the court system.
The service is voluntary, with women able to decide whether or not they want DACA support. The charity said that the criminal justice process can be difficult and complex to navigate, with the hope that DACA makes it “clearer and more accessible”.
The service will ensure women are kept informed about a case’s progress, and will provide information about matters affecting their safety – such as non-harassment orders and bail conditions.
DACA will also provide emotional support, safety planning and can provide reports to the court where appropriate. Shetland Women’s Aid said it had already been providing many aspects of court advocacy support to women affected by domestic abuse for a number of years.
“The launch of the dedicated DACA Service formalises this work and gives trained workers direct access to live, up-to-date information about criminal court proceedings, reducing the need to seek updates through other agencies, and allowing women to be kept informed more quickly and consistently,” it said.
The charity’s chief executive Laura Stronach said they were “incredibly proud” to launch the service today.
“This comes at a time of growing local and national recognition of the need to strengthen responses to domestic abuse and ensure women are properly supported through the justice process,” she said.
Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.
Already a member? Sign in.
“This service has been developed in response to a clear local need, through strong partnership working with agencies committed to improving outcomes for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
“Its launch reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that women in Shetland do not have to face the justice system alone, and that they are supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.” Independent domestic abuse advocate Erin Devine said the role of DACA was to “help make that process clearer, ensuring women understand what is happening, that their voices and choices remain visible, and that their safety and wellbeing stay at the heart of the process”. Shetland Women’s Aid is encouraging referrals to the DACA Service to be made at the earliest possible opportunity when a case relating to domestic abuse is expected to progress through the criminal justice system.
Women in Shetland can self-refer to the DACA Service, with referrals following Shetland Women’s Aid’s usual referral processes, and suitability for the service will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Support is entirely voluntary and will only be provided where the woman chooses to engage.
Police Scotland are also involved in the referral process.
Women’s Aid said that when officers attend a domestic abuse incident and the alleged perpetrator is likely to appear at court, the victim should be offered a referral for DACA support, as well as given details on other services provided by Shetland Women’s Aid.
Shetland’s area commander Chris Sewell said that DACA would be “an important source of specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse in Shetland”.
“From a policing perspective, having a trusted service working alongside us is hugely valuable in helping victims feel supported, reducing risk and, most importantly, keeping people safe,” Sewell added.
If you are being subjected to domestic abuse and would like some support, or if you are worried about a loved one, you can contact Shetland Women’s Aid. Email office@shetlandwa.org or call 01595 692070. In an emergency, always call 999.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
Already a member? Sign in.
