ONE of the reasons for e stablishing the domestic abuse court in Glasgow was to bring cases to court quicker.

Too many cases were being stuck in the general criminal justice system at Glasgow Sheriff Court, said to be the busiest court in Europe.

The backlog of cases which is holding up justice for many women and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

In one respect it means that more cases are being reported as many women are no longer putting up with abuse and are prepared to put their faith in the justice system.

However, that system has to act swiftly enough to give justice to those victims of a crime that destroys the lives of too many women and children.

Whatever measures are able to be implemented to reduce the number of cases still waiting to be called must be done. Resources and systems need to be mobilised to ensure that cases are heard within an acceptable time.

There are great efforts being made to reduce domestic abuse and to support victims to report the crime and give evidence to secure convictions.

If the cases are being stuck in the court system it is undermining these very efforts which can bring peace to so many women.