THE Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC, visited two projects in Exeter to see first hand how they co-ordinate partnerships between law students, courts and the local council to improve the justice system.

The Attorney visited Exeter Crown Court where she heard about the vital role that Against Domestic Violence and Abuse Devon, a partnership of local agencies led by Devon County Council, has in supporting victims of domestic violence.

The partnership's work was rewarded with the only green flag nationally for domestic violence in the Comprehensive Area Assessment 2009.

She said: "It's due to the quality of the services available in Devon and the public awareness of them, the reporting of domestic violence incidents to the police has almost doubled in the last 10 years and successful prosecution rates are nearly 90 per cent.

"The co-ordinated community response in Devon will save many lives and reduce the devastating impact of domestic violence on victims and their families."

The Attorney General then went to Exeter University to meet staff and students and learn about the community project currently being developed in partnership between the Law School, courts and the local council. It includes a 'student help-desk' type scheme for people who arrive at court with a civil legal problem but also need further access to services that can assist them.

The desk will be based both in Exeter Combined Court and Exeter City Council in spring, and a group of students will be trained by the Citizens Advice Bureau to listen to people and their problems and direct them to relevant organisations or support.

The project is a partnership between Exeter County Court, Citizens Advice, Exeter City Council and the Ministry of Justice.