Victims of domestic abuse in Dumfries and Galloway are to be supported by a new service to help them through emotionally difficult criminal court proceedings.
The ASSIST service at Stranraer Sheriff Court, which launched on Monday, will take referrals from Police Scotland and other services.
Trained staff will aid victims where a current or ex-partner has been charged, or is likely to be charged, with a domestic abuse related crime.
Initially, the system will help victims and families in the Stranraer and Newton Stewart areas before being rolled out across the entire region.
Hamish McGhie, the independent chairman Dumfries and Galloway’s Public Protection Committee, welcomed the much-awaited move.
He said: “I am pleased that ASSIST is extending their area of work to Dumfries and Galloway.
“Starting in the west of our region at first before rolling out across the region, the additional support to victims of domestic abuse within the justice system will make a great difference to their lives.”
ASSIST will operate via specialist workers co-located with Police Scotland in Dumfries Police Office equipped to build trust with service users.
They will guide victims and children affected in assessing risk to safely plan and navigate the often complex and confusing court system.
Chief Superintendent Carol McGuire, Divisional Commander for Dumfries and Galloway, gave the initiative her wholehearted backing.
She said: “Victims show immense bravery in reporting incidents of abuse, and we know that court advocacy can support them to feel safer and more engaged with the criminal justice process.
“I am delighted to see ASSIST rolling out their service in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Dumfries mum Rochelle Gray has also given the service her backing, but says it comes “too late” for her daughter.
Marley McCulloch was just 24 when she died in hospital on March 2, 2021, days after attempting to take her own.
Heartbroken Rochelle believes Marley was driven to despair by her ex-partner.
Dawson McAllister pleaded guilty to carrying out a sustained campaign of domestic abuse on Marley between June 2019 and February 24, 2021.
He had denied the offences for seven months, forcing distraught Rochelle to prepare to give evidence against him.
McAllister escaped a prison sentence at Dumfries Sheriff Court when he was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work, two years of attending the Caledonian Programme and told to remain in his home between 7pm and 7am each day.
A sheriff described his behaviour towards Marley as “controlling and awful” and told him he should be “utterly ashamed” of himself.
Afterwards, Rochelle urged other victims of domestic abuse to report the perpetrators to police when the Scottish Parliament introduced the Domestic Abuse Act.
But she was left reeling at the justice system when she learned McAllister’s restriction of liberty sentence had been relaxed for good behaviour and he was given permission to go out at weekends despite being under house arrest.
Rochelle said yesterday: “It’s practically two years to the day since Marley died and I’m left with a life of grieving.
“She was let down badly by the system and received no support.
“She didn’t feel safe.
“After she died and the court case against McAllister was going on, I was determined to get justice for Marley, but again, I didn’t receive the support I needed.
“I certainly support the launch of ASSIST. It could save lives.
“It’s just devastating that it has come too late for Marley.”
