The police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has welcomed the expansion of a new family court model.
Donna Jones, PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said the Pathfinder approach will better protect children and survivors of domestic abuse.
She said: "I’m delighted the Pathfinder approach is being rolled out here to ensure survivors and their children are protected from the damaging effects of family breakdown.
"Unfortunately, many of the cases we see in family courts involve domestic abuse."
Read more
- New family court model expanded to better protect children and families
- PCC calls for wider naloxone access amid rising opioid concerns
- 'I want to thank all of our emergency services for their dedication'
- Domestic abuse services at risk as 'uncertainty over funding', PCC warns
- Rural policing improving but fly-tipping and fish poaching blighting landowners
The Pathfinder model is being introduced in courts in Aldershot, Basingstoke, Newport (Isle of Wight), Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester.
It offers improved support for victims of domestic abuse and aims to speed up court proceedings.
Ms Jones has given more than £105,000 of funding this financial year (25/26) to domestic abuse support services, which are provided by The You Trust, with a further £319,500 expected next year.
Ms Jones said: "By commissioning services like The You Trust, we can provide better ongoing support for the families and children involved in these cases.
"Working in partnership enables us to better understand the dynamic of these families so when relationships between parents break down, children are given help quickly to avoid ongoing trauma.
"They have a right to a happy and healthy life and it’s important their voices are heard.”
Share