Leading the way in fight against domestic violence

Jul 19 2007 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

LAWYERS in the West Midlands are leading the way in prosecuting thugs who beat their partners, new figures have revealed.

In a snapshot of domestic violence cases nationwide, the West Midlands accounted for eight per cent of the total - more than any other county in England and Wales.

West Midlands Chief Crown Prosecutor David Blundell said: "We do not regard domestic violence as a reason not to prosecute but an aggravating feature and a reason why we should prosecute.

"We believe that successful prosecutions reduce the level of repeat offenders."

He added that there now ten specialist domestic violence courts across the region.

The Crown Prosecution Service carried out a snapshot of domestic violence offences across the country last December. In England and Wales 3,137 cases were prosecuted. Of those, 265 Ð or more than eight per cent Ð were in the West Midlands.

A total of 62 per cent were successfully prosecuted, a significant increase from last year's 52 per cent.

Mr Blundell said: "I'm pleased with the increase in our conviction rates.

"The figures reflect the fact that West Midlands Police treat domestic violence as a priority."