A court which is dedicated to crimes of domestic abuse will begin hearing cases in the New Year.

The new court system will be piloted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and will use sheriffs, prosecutors, police liaison officers and advocacy workers who specialise in dealing with domestic violence.

It is hoped the scheme will halve the time it takes cases to go to trial, to eight weeks. The court is expected to handle between 20 and 30 cases a month.

It comes after both Glasgow and Dunfermline had success after introducing the special courts.

Any offences committed in Edinburgh from December 9 onwards will be heard at the court, which is due to open for business on February 7.

Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Service will be available to help female victims through the judicial process, while male victims will be offered support by Assist (Advocacy Support Safety Information Services Together).

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said the new approach will mean better provision for victims who will be offered support from specialist agencies with expertise in domestic abuse.

Trials are planned to begin within eight weeks of the accused's first appearance, which is half the average time it takes to bring domestic abuse cases to trial under the current system, providing a "swift and effective" response for victims.

Adrian Cottam, assistant district procurator fiscal in Edinburgh, who led the development of the pilot on behalf of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: "Domestic abuse has a significant impact on victims, their families and our society. We know it is under-reported but also recognise the difficulties victims have in finding the strength to come to court, often after years of abuse.

"This pilot will allow the prosecution and our victim information and advice service to continue to show its strong response to this crime and build a better service to victims through multi-agency specialist working."

Philip Smith, of Lothian and Borders Police's public protection unit, said: "The work already carried out in this pilot ensures that officers will be aware of the specific difficulties this crime causes and close working relations with our partners can only improve the response to such crimes."