Executive Summary
Following discussion with the North East Family Courts, District Judge Robinson who oversees training for the judiciary has highlighted a need to upskill Family Court Judges in relation to Family Court matters where Domestic Abuse is a feature.
As a result and in conjunction with Durham and Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and Teesside University a virtual reality training package is to be developed. A project board to oversee the development and delivery of this specialist training package has been created and will be supported by the Domestic Abuse lead within each of the 3 PCC Offices. To support the work, the 3 North East PCCs have agreed to provide an equal financial contribution of £7175 (total project costs £21525) with Durham taking the lead on co-ordination of the project and provide payments on behalf of the 3 PCCs. As a result Cleveland’s contribution will be paid to Durham OPCC.
Once developed, District Juge Robinson will co-ordinate the training delivery to relevant judiciary colleagues across the North East Family Courts. It is anticipated that the training will improve understanding within the judiciary when making decisions for families where domestic abuse is a feature.
This decision record follows discussion and approval by the PCC in a meeting held on 14 December 2023.
Decision 2023/24 – 0030: Virtual Reality Domestic Abuse Training Package (application, 198kB)