Dedicated abuse court to go on trial
The scheme will be piloted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, with the first case due to call on February 7.
Specialist prosecutors, police liaison officers, advocacy workers and sheriffs will combine to deal with all domestic abuse prosecutions from the south and east of the city.
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Hide AdOffences committed in these areas from last Friday onwards will be dealt with by the specialist court.
The court expects to deal with approximately 20 to 30 cases of abuse a month.
Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Service (Eddacs) will be available to assist female victims throughout the criminal process, while male victims will be offered support from Advocacy Support Safety Information Services Together (Assist).