New Legal Support Service For Domestic Violence Victims
Since welfare reforms to legal aid - women here have been struggling to get support.
Domestic violence victims in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are struggling to escape from their abusive partners because of government cuts in legal aid.
That's according to charity - The Preston Road Women's Centre.
They've launched a new service to help women in domestic relationships seek more affordable justice.
Figures show that 25,000 women and 19,000 children in the city are currently living in a violent relationship.
Lisa Hilder is from the centre and says it's vital they have access to the right legal support. She told Viking:
“The welfare reforms to Legal Aid in April 2013 have had a devastating effect on women who need to access legal services to escape violent and abusive domestic situations. A significant number of the women using the Preston Road Centre are now unable to get Legal Aid, and mainstream legal fees for court representation are simply unaffordable for them, at an average of approximately £190/hour.
“We felt there had to be a way to make legal services affordable for these women and their families, and as we discussed it, our idea snowballed. We approached the Tudor Trust, a national grant-giving organisation and, following our formal application for financial support, we were delighted to be given a start-up grant. “Typical costs for legal representation in family law proceedings can average £1600. We are able to offer an hourly rate of £47/hour, which then brings the cost of proceedings down to around £395. This can make all the difference for women in our client group between staying in an unhealthy, abusive situation and escaping from it to rebuild their lives.
“We are extremely excited to be launching Affordable Justice, because we know it’s going to make a huge difference to a vulnerable group of people who desperately need to break free from dangerous or damaging situations”.