Progress is being made on efforts to establish a domestic abuse court by next month, the Government has announced.

A spokesman said: “The initiative reflects a continued commitment to providing victims and survivors with the necessary support while enhancing the judicial process to address domestic abuse cases more effectively.”

It comes on the heels of a visit to London by a delegation, which included senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson and Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, to observe the domestic abuse court at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The group, which also included Shaunte Simons-Fox, acting senior crown counsel, Noel Hayward, a senior probation officer, and Deanna Binns, a witness care officer, was hosted by Karen Senogles, a programme manager for Criminal Justice and Courts at Standing Together, a domestic abuse prevention charity.

Ms Clarke said: “Our goal was to observe the workings of a domestic abuse court with a view to establishing a similar court in Bermuda.

“We had valuable discussions with Chief Crown Prosecutor Lionel Idan and his team from the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The visit allowed us to make important connections and gather insights into best practices we could implement or tailor for Bermuda.”

She said the proposed Domestic Abuse Court for Bermuda was expected to streamline the handling of domestic abuse cases.

She said it will ensure that cases are dealt with swiftly and sensitively while delivering justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.

Ms Clarke added: “This initiative underscores Bermuda's commitment to eradicating domestic violence and fostering a safer, more supportive environment for survivors.

“I am optimistic about the progress made and am working closely with senior magistrate Anderson to ensure Bermuda's Domestic Abuse Court is operational by December.”

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, supported the initiative.

She said it aligned with the Government's broader strategy to provide co-ordinated support for domestic abuse victims.

Ms Wilkerson said: “Establishing the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Committee, as announced in the 2023 Throne Speech, reinforced our commitment to collaboration across key agencies.

“The committee ensures that victims of high-risk domestic violence cases receive comprehensive and well-coordinated support.

“The Government is dedicated to providing the resources necessary to address domestic abuse and create meaningful, lasting change, effectively.”

During the delegation’s trip to London, Mr Hayward met probation officer counterparts, and Ms Binns engaged with witness care officers.

The delegation also held discussions with Tanweer Ikram, the deputy senior district judge for Westminster.