Legal aid changes could impact on victims of domestic violence

Vulnerable families in Wales could be left without legal representation as a result of a shake-up in legal aid, treat it has been claimed.

It is feared victims of domestic violence could be among those affected by a reduction in the number of firms offering legal aid. Welsh Women's Aid says there could be a "significant impact" on women needing access to justice when new contracts for legal aid providers come into force on 14 October.

Welsh Women's Aid legal issues co-ordinator Nesta Lloyd Jones said the changes could affect women when they "desperately need" help, according to BBC news. 

"The potential cuts to legal aid could have a significant impact on the women and children that Welsh Women's Aid member groups represent," said Ms Lloyd-Jones.

"We are pleased that for many years the Legal Services Commission… has viewed people who have experienced domestic abuse as a priority.

"Legal aid ensures that thousands of women who experience domestic abuse receive vital protection, information and access to justice on a range of important legal areas from injunctions to housing, immigration or debt advice.

"WWA are concerned that any cuts in the legal aid budget could have a significant impact on the women our members support and could lead to many women not having access to justice when they desperately need it.

"Two women are killed by a partner or ex-partner every week in the UK, and it is vital that all options… are available to them, to allow them to seek protection."

Presumably the same applies to England? Is that right?

Thanks again to Cecilia Shandeva for this story.