New Legal Aid Reforms for Domestic Abuse Victims
Recently, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has announced changes to the Legal Aid Reforms to give more support and protection to those families who have been abused by their former partners.
The current five year limit on abuse evidence is to be abolished and the range of documents accepted as evidence will be broadened to include statements from domestic support organisations and housing support officers. The changes announced follow a review of the evidence requirements set out in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012. These changes are due to come into force in January 2018.
Also, the government has agreed to bring forward a landmark Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which will ensure that everything is done possible to protect and support victims and their children.
Earlier this year, the government announced a £17 million fund to support 41 projects across the UK to tackle violence against women and girls.
Stacy Fox, Head of Family Law at Pearson, commented, "the new reforms give better peace of mind and support to women and children by ensuring that no stone is left unturned when it comes to taking an abusive partner to Court".
"We fully appreciate that these type of sensitive cases are not straightforward and involve a lot of care and support for all involved - the new reforms are a long-awaited move in protecting victims of domestic abuse".
If you have been the victim of domestic abuse or if you need to talk to a specialist family lawyer, please contact a member of our Family Law team on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk.
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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.
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