Local Soroptimists in Kenilworth have called on MPs to press the Secretary of State for Justice to take urgent action to protect victims of domestic abuse.

Alongside other members of the global women's volunteer organisation, Kenilworth Soroptimists are calling for change to the Specialist Domestic Abuse Courts (SDAC).

The calls follow the recent publication of a report which found "serious failings shortcomings" in the way the courts treat women.

The investigation saw volunteers attend sessions in 30 different courts across the UK.

The recommendations made in the new report seek to improve the workings of this system with a particular emphasis on positive experiences and outcomes for the victims, it says.

"Members of Soroptimist International Kenilworth and District observed the work in Courts in the West Midlands," a group spokesperson said to Nub News.

"Our findings are included in the national report published this week.

"The report shows that the system established and developed over a five-year period in 1999, to provide specific support to the victims of domestic abuse, is falling far short of the service which the public has a right to expect.

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!Soroptimists are advocates for all women, especially for those who have no voice.

"By publicising this report, we want to drive improvement and our recommendations seek to help build public trust in our justice system."

The full report is available here.