Childcare and travel costs ‘stopping domestic abuse victims getting to court’
Some domestic abuse victims say they can’t afford to get to court to get protection because of increased financial stress caused by the cost of living crisis.
Domestic Violence Assist found that financial pressures mean some victims who are seeking civil protection orders to keep them safe cannot afford to travel to court or arrange childcare so they can attend.
It comes as the soaring costs trigger a rise in cases, with victims being locked out of their vehicles, cut off from debit cards if they are deemed to have spent too much, and left without heating, electricity or hot water.
The organisation is the UK's only registered charity specialising exclusively in helping victims apply for civil protection orders, which aim to protect them from being harmed or threatened by their abuser, and determine who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area.
Domestic Violence Assist received 40,000 referrals for help from bodies such as the police and social services and helpline calls in England and Wales in the year ending August 2022.
This is up 10% from the previous year and the highest total in its history.
More than a quarter (27%) said they have limited or no access to money because of their abuser.
Chief executive Luis Labaton said: "In cases where access to money is controlled and restricted, victims are often forced to remain with their abusers, as they are financially dependent on them."
One woman said she was left with so little money she was forced to steal from a supermarket to feed her children.
She said: "Whenever I spent money he knew about it instantly. He would know where I was and how much I spent."
Another victim, living in an area with little public transport, discovered her abuser had put a steering wheel lock on the car, so she could not get her children to school or get to work.
Rising living and transport expenses are also making it harder for victims to fund legal action or get to court, while means-tested legal aid criteria doesn’t consider the rising cost of living, Domestic Violance Assist said.
One victim who did not proceed said: "I had no money for childcare as the courts would not allow my children in.
"Nor did I have money to get to the courts, which were over 20 miles away. On top of all that I would run the risk of seeing my abuser in court.”
Mr Labaton has written to Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis urging a review of the decision to return to face-to-face court hearings.
He said: "These were stopped due to Covid and were held remotely instead, and this was successful for victims, as they did not have to attend court and risk seeing their abuser, or have to worry about the costs of travel or childcare.
"The return of face-to-face hearings is actually putting victims off from applying for orders, leaving them with little or no choice to stay with their abuser."
A Government spokesperson said: "The new Domestic Abuse Act is transforming our response to this terrible crime - redefining economic abuse, improving protection for victims and bringing more perpetrators to justice.
"The roll-out of new technology to the vast majority of courtrooms ensures judges can hold remote hearings where appropriate and in consultation with the victim.
"We have also extended protection orders and are providing free legal advice for victims."
There are a number of organisations who can offer advice and support on domestic abuse around Merseyside .