Domestic abuse

On this page:

Domestic abuse and legal aid
Domestic abuse fact sheet
Eligibility waiver
Guidance on granting funding for domestic abuse
Improving the justice system
Working with clients and the public
For more information

Domestic abuse and legal aid

We are committed to empowering the most vulnerable people in society to safeguard their rights.

Victims of domestic abuse are one of our priority groups and we seek to actively support victims through increased access to legal advice.

Domestic abuse fact sheet

See Documents for a factsheet that:

explains how legal aid can help victims of domestic abuse
contains frequently asked questions
counteracts some of the common myths surrounding eligibility.

Eligibility waiver

From 9 Apr 07 we can waive all eligibility limits (i.e. the gross and disposable income limits and disposable capital limit) for legal representation for victims of domestic violence.

See Documents for guidance on how this works.

Guidance on granting funding for domestic abuse

See Documents for the decision-making guidance that:

solicitors use when granting funding using their devolved powers
we use when considering applications.

This sets out the criteria for both applicants and respondents in these types of cases.

Improving the justice system

National and regional liaison work involves forging stronger relationships with Her Majesty’s Courts Service (HMCS), domestic abuse support groups and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Regional offices are ensuring information is available to domestic abuse victims including:

providing leaflets and booklets at local courts
training sessions for Her Majesty’s Courts Service staff
getting feedback on access experience of clients from local Women’s Aid and refuges.

Working with clients and the public

We are developing a Client and Public Engagement Strategy and setting up a Client Diversity Group.

This will help us engage with clients and better understand access barriers to legal aid services and will inform and shape policy making.

We will identify a range of client representative organisations to shape this work and will involve organisations representing survivors of domestic abuse.

For more information

If you have any queries regarding any of the above please email the family team.

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Last updated: 18 August 2008