Stephensons has announced the launch of Fresh Start, a new and unique family service to support those affected by domestic abuse.
Fresh Start aims to help those affected by domestic abuse to get the support they need by providing a full-range of vital services, including:
- Legal advice and representation for injunction applications and in relation to family matters
- Assistance with housing on a temporary or permanent basis
- Welfare advice
- Legal advice for with those with disabilities and mental health problems
It will be available to all legal aid clients of Stephensons’ Domestic Abuse team across its North West offices.
Victoria Gethin, partner and head of Stephensons’ Domestic Abuse team, said: “We understand that those experiencing domestic abuse may find it difficult to seek help. Fewer lawyers are prepared to do legal aid work following the cuts introduced on 1st April 2013. However legal aid is still available for domestic abuse injunction cases.
“We are concerned that victims who believe they cannot access legal aid may suffer in silence, putting themselves and their children at further risk. That’s why we are doing everything we can to help those who need our support and ensure we are offering advice on other areas that impact them and their families.”
Changes to the criteria for legal aid funding, introduced on 1st April 2013, mean that thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable people in abusive relationships and their children could potentially be at risk as a result of being deprived of this essential support. The changes impact upon many sensitive cases involving separating couples and their children including residence and contact proceedings.
Application for injunctions will still be funded, although victims must provide ‘documentary evidence’ of abuse before they can apply for legal aid for divorce proceedings and disputes involving children. The evidence required may include:
- A criminal conviction for domestic abuse;
- An injunction against the victim’s ex-partner in the past two years;
- A letter from the victim’s GP or health practitioner; or
- A letter from a refuge.
In addition to the new restrictions on legal aid, there have also been cuts in funding for the provision of domestic abuse services. This is likely to result in the closure of some services across the country.
Recent research compiled by Stephensons found that the poorest households in the UK would be hit three times harder than the most affluent households, driving fears that many will remain in abusive relationships.
Fresh Start is a service available to those eligible for legal aid. Private paying packages are also available. The initiative is the latest in a series of steps which Stephensons has taken to ensure that legal services remain available to as many people as possible. Previous steps include:
- Fixed-fee services, so people know how much specialist legal advice will cost up front; and
- A flexible ‘pay-as-you-go’ service, allowing families to pay only for the advice and representation they need, and nothing extra.