The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has appointed a specialist lead prosecutor to strengthen its response to cases of domestic abuse.
As Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse, Anne Marie Hicks will co-ordinate the prosecution service's response to domestic abuse cases from across Scotland.
"Domestic abuse affects communities across Scotland, and can be deeply distressing and damaging for victims and their families,” commented Anne Marie Hicks.
"I look forward to working again with the police, ASSIST and Scottish Women's Aid, to continually improve the way we prepare such cases. Their insights will be invaluable in shaping the response to the needs of victims and their families," she added.
News of the appointment comes shortly after researchers at St Andrews University published the results of a study into a possible link between domestic violence and Old Firm football matches. The researchers say the results of the study provide ‘compelling evidence’ of the effect of Old Firm matches on reported domestic cases of physical, sexual and emotional abuse in the 24 hour period after kick off.
“We found a statistically significant increase in the average number of reports following Old Firm matches, compared with other periods,” said lead researcher Dr Damien J. Williams.
For legal advice on issues relating to domestic violence and divorce or any other legal problems you may have, please complete our online enquiry form or call us on 0141 221 1919.
