Centre Against Abuse On 2024 Throne Speech
The Centre Against Abuse [CAA] said they are “enthusiastic and pleased that the Throne Speech included the implementation of a Specialist Domestic Abuse Court for Bermuda.”
A spokesperson said, “CAA has lobbied for this initiative over the past decade, and we want to express our gratitude to all involved in moving this forward.
“We believe that having a Specialist Domestic Abuse Court will be able to provide:
- Trained domestic abuse personnel in the courts [magistrate and staff]
- Consistent standards for domestic abuse cases
- Increased safety of victims in the court room setting
- One court for criminal and civil domestic abuse matters
- Monitoring of offenders
- Court ordered programmes for offenders
- Criminal court trials held sooner
- Improvements in data collection
- Increase in public confidence in the system
“CAA recognizes that a Specialist Domestic Abuse Court will require the improvements and changes in laws, and in policies to work effectively. We continue to encourage the government and are willing to assist to implement a Domestic Abuse Act and National Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Plan that will provide a blueprint on the specifics of domestic abuse for the island and the repercussions for offenders.
“We look forward to supporting this initiative and working with all the stakeholders to ensure the Specialist Domestic Abuse Court’s success for all participants.
“Together we can create healthy relationships.”
