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<p>I have made no formal appraisal, but Crown prosecution Service (CPS) guidance to
prosecutors sets out the circumstances in which witness summonses can best be used
in such cases. This guidance is published on the CPS website at: <a href="http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/domestic_violence_aide-memoire/#a25"
target="_blank">http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/d_to_g/domestic_violence_aide-memoire/#a25</a></p><p>Witness
summonses can be effective in ensuring complainants attend court when they would not
otherwise do so. They can also support victims who are concerned about how a voluntary
decision to attend court might be perceived by ‘removing' the pressure of making that
decision for them. Where a victim attends as a result of a witness summons, there
is often a guilty plea.</p><p>However, it is also possible that a witness will still
not attend, or may come to court but refuse to give evidence.</p><p> </p>
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