Latest MOJ virus Update focus on domestic violence – 14th april
Victims and witnesses
NEW: At the No10 press conference today, the Home Secretary Priti Patel announced an additional £2 million to support charities to further expand services for those at risk of domestic abuse. The following page contains more information about help offered to domestic abuse victims: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
HMPPS
Prisons and probation services have implemented significant changes to comply with the Government’s social distancing rules and to protect staff and service users. The service has been working closely with public health experts, as well as criminal justice partners, to ensure that robust contingency plans are in place and immediate action can be taken wherever cases are identified. The following page will continue to be updated when new advice is available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-and-prisons
Please note: we are unable to provide updated Covid-19 case information over the weekend. This information will continue to be communicated during weekday updates.
HMCTS
Updated guidance has been published on applying for a domestic violence injunction as an unrepresented applicant during the coronavirus outbreak. It explains the arrangements in place during the coronavirus pandemic, including making sure that a court is open before sending an application and that hearings can take place by remote means whenever possible. Read the full guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applying-for-a-domestic-violence-family-law-act-injunction-for-unrepresented-applicants
During this unprecedented public health emergency, we are adjusting practices and taking steps to minimise the risk to the judiciary, court staff and users. Any changes to individual hearings will be communicated directly to those affected in the usual way, by email and/or phone. The following page will continue to be updated when new advice is available: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-courts-and-tribunals-planning-and-preparation
HMCTS maintain a daily operational summary service on courts and tribunals from Monday to Friday during the Coronavirus outbreak. HMCTS aim to update this page daily by 9am: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmcts-daily-operational-summary-on-courts-and-tribunals-during-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
Latest general guidance
- The new Business Support campaign for Covid-19: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
- Guidance on protecting vulnerable people from Covid-19: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
- Home isolation / ‘stay at home’ guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
- Guidance on social distancing: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people
Please continue to refer to GOV.UK/coronavirus for the latest information on the situation in the UK and the Government’s response. For information about the illness and symptoms visit nhs.uk/coronavirus