Court of appeal rules against Government cuts to victims of domestic violence

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The Court of Appeal has declared that Government changes to the rules allowing victims of domestic abuse to obtain legal aid are legally flawed.

The changes require verifications of domestic violence to be given within two years before any application is made for legal aid.

Emma Scott, director of Rights of Women said: "For nearly three years we know that the strict evidence requirements for legal aid have cut too many women off from the very family law remedies that could keep them and their children safe.

Today’s judgement is important recognition of women’s real life experiences of domestic violence and means that more women affected by violence will have access to advice and representation in the family courts."

This article will be updated shortly