AQW 26481/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 01/05/2025
Answered On Date: 07/05/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice how her Department ensures women experiencing financial control or coercive control are not disadvantaged in legal aid assessments due to a lack of independent income.

Answer:

I am aware that victims of domestic abuse often face financial barriers when seeking legal assistance, particularly where they have limited or no independent income due to the abusive relationship. Section 28 of the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings (Northern Ireland) Act 2021 provides the Director of Legal Aid the discretion to disregard the financial eligibility thresholds for victims of domestic abuse where an evidentiary letter is provided in response to Article 8 Children Order (Northern Ireland) 1995 proceedings brought by the perpetrator of their abuse exactly for this reason.

In addition, the legal aid financial eligibility threshold tests are automatically disregarded in relation to non-molestation orders for victims of domestic abuse.

I am committed, through the Enabling Access to Justice Delivery Plan, to improving support for this group, by building new, simpler routes by which people can access comprehensive legal help to navigate the Justice issues that domestic abuse victims face, including in both the criminal and the family courts. My officials will be engaging directly with stakeholders on this vital issue over the coming months.