This is the second session of CWJ’s new training programme for criminal defence and prison lawyers – both barristers and solicitors - representing victims of domestic abuse who are accused of offending.
In this session, criminal defence solicitor Bridget Irving from Goldman Bailey Solicitors will draw on her extensive experience to explain the key elements of effective representation for victims of domestic abuse who are arrested and/or detained by the police, including:
Identifying signs that your client may be a victim of domestic abuse
Using Police guidance to support your representations to the Police on:
Identifying the primary aggressor in a case of counter-allegations
Managing vulnerability
Bail, including bail conditions
Any failings by the Police to uphold your client’s rights as a victim, including failings to investigate their allegations against their perpetrator, and upholding the Victims’ Right to Review.
Interviewing your client and advising on the approach to police interview
Taking detailed instructions from your client about whether they are a primary carer and what care arrangements are in place
Identifying where emergency family law representation may be needed for a client who is a primary carer, and making effective referrals.
Additional considerations when representing a woman accused of killing her abuser.
There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion of case studies.
Bridget Irving, Consultant Solicitor, Goldman Bailey Solicitors
Bridget Irving is an experienced Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor and has been a Higher Court Advocate since 2005. She regularly appears in the Crown Court, as well as representing clients in the Magistrates Court, Youth Court and Police Stations. Bridget has a particular interest in, and experience of, representing children, young people and women charged with serious offences, and has represented a number of women accused of killing their violent partners. She was a core member of Justice for Women for many years and is an active campaigner around issues affecting women in the criminal justice system.