Victims of domestic violence could get extra support in special courts to help bring their attackers to justice.

Courts in Hastings and Worthing would have magistrates specifically trained to deal with domestic violence and victims would be represented by an advocate until the final hearing.

The specialist domestic violence courts would help victims go through what is normally a lengthy, potentially frightening and intimidating process because of the relationship they have with their abuser.

A bid for £40,000 has been submitted to the South East Government Office to fund a trial period.

If the courts are a success, they could be extended to cover sexual assault cases.

East Sussex County Council's domestic violence coordinator, Jacquie Ballard, said the move would tackle the problem of women withdrawing charges.

She said: "The perpetrator often knows how to look at his victim and what buttons to press so they are terrified to give evidence.

"Other people in the court might not notice anything but domestic violence isn't that clear it's a lot more complex.

"The aim is to reduce the amount of unsuccessful prosecutions and the number that collapse."

Ms Ballard said cases would be brought to court quicker and an independent domestic violence advocate would represent the victim in court during the lead up to the actual case so they would not have to go to court until the final trial.

The move by the criminal justice system and Sussex police is part of a drive to tackle violent crime.

The Argus reported on Tuesday how new upgraded Sexual Assault Referral Clinics (SARCs) are planned to help victims of rape, sexual assault, race hate, homophobic attacks and human trafficking and boost the conviction rate.

The SARCs would provide medical treatment, counselling and facilities to gather evidence under one roof.

Figures in areas where the clinics exist purely for rape and sexual assault victims show greater conviction rates.

The plans are at an early stage and depend on agencies including councils and primary care trusts getting on board.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "SARCs have the potential to build on some of the good work already being done in the city in the area of hate crime.

"But things are still very much at the exploratory stage."

This week, West Sussex County Council's domestic violence development team appointed Paula Burton, a former women's safety worker, as a domestic violence advocate as part of a separate two-year pilot.