Delays & Shortages
Obstacle
There is a national shortage of Family Law Solicitors who hold Legal Aid contracts. Even where public funding is available, solicitors are often so overstretched that obtaining an appointment or securing access to the courts can take several days, or even weeks. For individuals living with an abusive partner, such delays are entirely unacceptable and place them at continued risk.
For those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for Legal Aid, for example, individuals who are employed or own property, the options for obtaining legal advice or court representation are extremely limited. As a result, many people are left without adequate protection during some of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.
Solution
The Centre for Domestic Abuse provides a clear, compassionate, and efficient solution. Victims are contacted immediately, informed of all available options, and supported with the preparation of the necessary documentation within 24 hours.
This approach enables individuals to avoid the significant delays often encountered when waiting to hear back from a solicitor, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Time is of the essence, and CDA ensures that support is prompt, accessible, and completely free of charge.
Legal Remedies for Victims
Obstacle
While police intervention can lead to arrests and criminal charges, many victims understandably hesitate to pursue this route. For some, there is a genuine fear that involving the police could escalate the situation, provoking further violence or retaliation from the perpetrator and placing themselves or their children at increased risk.
For others, strong emotional ties, hope that the behaviour may change, or the impact of long-term coercive control can make the prospect of taking legal action against a partner feel overwhelming or even impossible. Feelings of shame, guilt, or isolation may also act as powerful barriers, discouraging individuals from seeking support through the criminal justice system.
These complex emotional and psychological factors are both real and deeply valid. As a result, many victims are left feeling trapped, uncertain, and unsure of where to turn for safe and accessible support.
Solution
There are alternative legal protections available under the Family Law Act 1996, enabling victims of domestic abuse to seek safety through the civil courts. These remedies include:
● Non-Molestation Orders
● Occupation Orders
Unlike criminal proceedings, applications for these civil orders are based on a lower standard of proof, making them more accessible and often significantly quicker to obtain. They offer vital protection for individuals who require immediate safety but may feel unable or unwilling to engage with the criminal justice system.
GET THE LEGAL HELP YOU NEED
Reach out now for immediate assistance and explore the support options available to protect you.
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Registered Office: 729 Capability Green, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3LU
Telephone: 020 303 404 22
