SIR – So the Coalition Government has refused legal aid in domestic violence cases. Can they sink any lower?
Despite evidence from the WI, dozens of other women’s groups, specialist lawyers and female victims, the Government persists in refusing legal aid in domestic violence cases. With only one exception; if the woman reports to police and courts.
Many women dread to do so, for fear of the partner’s reaction. They also do not want the man to be sent to prison – for the sake of the children, or other reasons.
It is known that, on average, a woman who complains to police has been abused 20 times before she reports it.
Labour MPs put constructive amendments that evidence from a GP should be sufficient for legal aid. These were repeatedly refused and voted down by Government MPs recently. The outcome is likely to be more deaths among women and children.
Where should the money come from to pay the lawyers’ bills? How about the £250 million Eric Pickles plans to spend on weekly rubbish collections?
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