A CRIME commissioner has welcomed Government moves to scrap time limits which prevent vulnerable survivors of domestic abuse from accessing legal aid.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Justice scrapped the five-year limit restricting legal aid for family court hearings into parenting arrangements for children, financial support and family housing.
The much-criticised rules meant victims seeking legal representation in disputed family hearings, where they’re potentially forced to confront their abuser, had to demonstrate they have been targeted within the past five years.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird said: “Relaxing these legal aid restrictions for victims of domestic violence is welcome news.
“Too many victims of domestic abuse, who have found the strength to come forward, have been let down by the existing system with its countless loopholes preventing those who need it from accessing legal aid.
“This is certainly a step in the right direction”.
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