More cases of domestic violence are being reported and successfully prosecuted since the introduction of specialist domestic violence courts in 2002.

In the domestic violence courts over the past few years there has been:

* An increase in guilty pleas in domestic violence courts from 21% to 61%
* A rise in successful prosecutions from 46% to 59% in only two years.
* An increase of assault charges brought from 51% to 74% since 2004.

The number of victims withdrawing their statements has fallen. Even where they did, successful prosecutions took place in half the cases. This was up from a quarter on the previous year.

Visiting the Family Justice Centre in Croydon, Constitutional Affairs minister Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP said: "These figures show victims of domestic violence that if they report it, there is a greater chance of prosecution and conviction than ever before. It also sends a message to those who beat their partners that you should expect to face the consequences. There is never any excuse for resorting to violence against your partner. We must challenging the culture of excuses and determined to ensure that everyone can live in their own homes free of fear."

Specialist domestic violence courts provide independent advice for victims, as well as specially trained prosecutors, magistrates, legal advisers and police officers who specialise in domestic violence cases.

There are currently 25 domestic violence courts across the country and a further 28 are to be introduced by April 2007.

Harriet Harman also expressed concern that the defence of provocation provides a means by which men and women who kill their spouses can avoid a charge of murder, facing a lesser charge. This is the situation at the moment and will continue under the Law Commission's proposals.

She added: "There is no place in the 21st Century for a man or woman who has killed their partner to escape a murder charge by blaming them for provoking them. Domestic violence is never excusable. We must protect victims of domestic violence - yet a defence of provocation allows the accused to blame the victim."