PLANS to set up a specialised domestic violence court have been welcomed by support groups.

Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe proposed the idea to help victims testify against their attackers.

It would include separate entrances, exits and waiting areas so victims are not confronted while waiting to attend court.

The public protection and safety portfolio executive assistant thinks it should be staffed by dedicated prosecutors, police, trained magistrates and legal advisers who specialise in domestic violence issues.

Cllr Tunnicliffe said: "Sustained abuse of victims will not be tolerated and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

"We are determined to have zero tolerance of this insidious crime."

Her proposal has been welcomed by anti-domestic violence groups Refuge and Women's Aid.

A Women's Aid spokesman said: "We welcome the introduction of specialist courts and support the need for a strong response to domestic violence.

"The existence of independent, high-quality services for victims is critical and we are developing national standards so victims and their children can access support services in every area, before, during and after any court process."

A spokesman for Refuge said: "We welcome the proposal to introduce more specialised domestic violence courts.

"Domestic violence policies and practice need to be mutually supporting in order to make sure women get the protection they need at every stage of the process."

The Government currently runs specialist court programmes in other parts of the UK.

Courts in the scheme have independent advisers for victims and dedicated prosecutors, as well as magistrates, legal advisers and police officers who specialise in domestic violence cases.

Cllr Tunnicliffe is waiting to hear from the Department of Constitutional Affairs over whether it will extend the scheme to Bromley.