Domestic abuse cases throughout Scotland will be coordinated by a newly-created national prosecutor.
Anne Marie Hicks, who handled Scotland’s busiest domestic abuse caseload in Glasgow for three years, has been appointed as Scotland’s first specialist procurator fiscal for domestic abuse.
She has been appointed to improve the way domestic abuse cases are dealt with, engage with those involved in tackling abuse to strengthen a collective response, and raise awareness of the dynamics of abuse with police and prosecutors.
Ms Hicks said: “Domestic abuse can be deeply distressing and damaging for victims and their families.
“In recent years we have seen huge steps forward in the confidence of victims to report domestic abuse and a step change in the way that police and prosecutors handle such cases.
“I look forward to working again with the police, Assist (Advocacy, Support, Safety, Information Services Together) 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.”
Lily Greenan, manager of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “This post recognises that there is scope to consider how we can improve the prosecution of domestic abuse across Scotland.”
Mhairi McGowan, head of service at Assist, said: “There have been welcome changes in attitudes to domestic abuse within society and it is important that victims who come forward to report what has been happening to them have confidence that there is a consistent response across Scotland.
“Domestic abuse is a complex set of behaviours that presents challenges to the criminal justice system this appointment will help ensure that the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service can answer those challenges.”