MORE domestic violence offenders should be brought to justice after the number of specialist courts in the county was increased.

Lancashire is now one of the main areas to offer the specialised service after the government increased the number of courts in the country by 30 - six of which are in the county.

Previously there was just one domestic violence court in Lancashire based at Accrington, covering Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

Lancashire now has seven courts tailored to deal especially with domestic violence. They are in Burnley, Lancaster, Blackpool, Preston, Leyland and Ormskirk.

Det Supt Graham Herrmann, head of the Lancashire police public protection unit, said: "This is great news and builds on our extended approach to domestic abuse over the last few years.

"The specialist courts will enhance our capacity in this area and, along with the work we do with our partners at risk assessment conferences, should give victims more confidence in coming forward to report abuse."

Ian Phillips, assistant chief officer for Lancashire Probation Service said: "This is fantastic news for Lancashire and demonstrates how seriously the issue of domestic violence is taken by the criminal justice system."

Specialist domestic violence courts also offer support services for victims.

Magistrates sitting in these courts have received additional training. The courts aim to bring together agencies to identify, track and risk assess domestic violence cases, support victims of domestic violence and share information better so that more offenders are brought to justice.