Legal representation out of reach for many survivors of domestic abuse
Survivors of domestic abuse continue to be robbed of access to justice, as growing numbers are forced to represent themselves in court.
According to the latest family court figures*, 29% of survivors represented themselves in 2023, when only 15% did in 2011.
Between April and June 2024, 1,555 people made domestic abuse applications without legal representation. In total, there were 7,720 domestic violence applications made in that quarter. This number has almost doubled since 2011.
Law Society of England and Wales president Nick Emmerson said:
“Although legal aid is still available for cases involving domestic abuse, recent figures show an alarming number of survivors being left to represent themselves.
“We are all entitled to a life free from violence and fear and where our children can thrive. Investment in the justice system and legal aid would secure a vital public service and ensure that support and protection is there when needed.
“Our research shows 19% of legal aid firms have closed in the last five years.** This means that domestic abuse survivors who are eligible for legal aid struggle to find a provider in their area.
“Unable to afford representation, many are forced to appear in court on their own, navigating complex court processes and procedures to seek protection for themselves and their children.
“The UK government’s failure to expand the legal aid means test has also meant that people living in poverty are unable to meet the income threshold.*** We must expand the means test and invest in legal aid, so that survivors of domestic violence can access the legal help they need.
“Only then can survivors of domestic abuse get the justice they deserve.”
Notes to editors
- * Figures taken from Family Court Statistics Quarterly: April to June 2024
- ** Figures taken from the recent Frontier Economics report on civil legal aid, commissioned by the Law Society. Read the Implications of research on the sustainability of civil legal aid report.
- *** In 2018, we commissioned research by Professor Donald Hirsch that showed the legal aid means test was preventing many families living in poverty from accessing justice. You can find the latest report from 2024 here.
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