Service to offer cut-price legal advice to victims of domestic abuse

A SERVICE offering affordable legal advice for domestic abuse victims is to begin in the New Year.

The service is being offered by a Bradford-based charity, Staying Put, and aims to support about 150 people across West Yorkshire in its first six months of operation.

A director of Staying Put, Yasmin Khan, said: “We know that on average 25 to 30 per cent of victims and survivors of domestic abuse are not eligible for legal aid. This means they are often unable to access legal advice and representation.

“A domestic violence victim who wants to use a high street solicitor to apply for a non-molestation order currently has to pay a significant amount for the order alone – these costs increase if the application is contested.

“Our new not-for-profit service would provide the same level of service for a fraction of the cost, making it far more affordable for vulnerable people.”

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson provided funding for the scheme, and said: “I am really pleased to be able to support this project, which will help to protect and support some of our most vulnerable residents, providing legal assistance to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it during very difficult and stressful times.”