Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Abuse: Legal Advice

Tuesday 29 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to ensuring civil legal aid remains accessible to victims of domestic abuse.
  • Legal Aid Agency reviews market capacity to ensure adequate provision across England and Wales.
  • Review of legal aid means test to improve access for victims of domestic abuse.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of legal advice deserts on victims of domestic abuse who need to access justice.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effect of legal advice deserts on the ability of victims of domestic abuse to access justice?

Answer from Alex Chalk

We are committed to ensuring that civil legal aid remains accessible to those who need it, including victims of domestic abuse. The Legal Aid Agency keeps market capacity under review to ensure adequate provision across England and Wales. We are reviewing the legal aid means test in relation to victims of domestic abuse. On 3 March, the Chancellor announced a further £19 million package to tackle domestic abuse.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a recent assessment or specific details on how legal advice deserts affect victims' access to justice.

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Q2 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Justice & Courts Children & Families
Context

The MP notes that many victims of domestic abuse still face representation issues in the family court as litigants in person.

Question

Too many victims of domestic abuse end up in the family court without representation. Should legal aid be made available for all victims of domestic abuse?

Answer from Alex Chalk

The hon. Lady is absolutely right that legal aid is vital support for many people, which is why we have relaxed evidence requirements for those seeking access to legal aid. We also support organisations like RCJ Advice through its Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors service, a digital portal assisting victims in obtaining non-molestation or occupation orders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to making legal aid universally available for all domestic abuse victims.

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