Fight to save Legal Aid for victims of domestic violence

Legal Aid reforms look set to whip up a storm as the changes prevent victims of some forms of domestic violence from getting financial help.

A government backlash has begun against the ruling which was effective from 1^st April this year and removes Legal Aid in the majority of family law cases.

The Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 was accompanied by the Civil Legal Aid Regulations which in effect does offer criteria providing Legal Aid for those suffering from domestic violence.

However, according to a report in the Law Society Gazette, many groups believe the evidence required to prove domestic violence has occurred is too narrow.

Charities argue that as the evidence provision in many cases has a 24 month time limit, this is a tough restriction as some perpetrators pose a lifelong threat to their victims.

In a survey carried out by Women's Aid, Welsh Women's Aid and Rights of Women last year, 61% of women surveyed who were unable to get Legal Aid did not take any action about their family law problems.

As the survey demonstrated, half of all women who were experiencing domestic violence did not have the required form of evidence to support their claim for family Legal Aid.

Call our family lawyers if you need to talk in confidence about domestic violence on 0800 567 7272 or email blvlaw@btinternet.com for discreet advice.

BLV Law

Legal Aid Solicitors