CLS news

We’ve been researching the barriers faced by survivors of domestic abuse from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BAME).

As a result of these barriers BAME women are one and a half times less likely to seek help from statutory services.

Events and focus groups

In order to get a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences of BAME women we held a series of events and focus groups.

Survivors of domestic abuse, legal aid providers and professional support services attended these events.

The support services included Women’s Aid, the Probation Service and County Councils.

Great opportunity

It was a great opportunity to share their experiences about access to legal services for domestic abuse survivors, make suggestions and network with each other.

A number of recommendations have come from the events. Some of these have already been implemented and link to on-going initiatives the LSC is involved in.

Others will form part of an action plan for how we can deliver future improvements. Where recommendations go beyond the scope of the LSC, we will share our findings and engage with other agencies to improve access to justice.

For more information

Domestic Abuse – Access to Justice

LSC website: Domestic Abuse

Liz.long@legalservices.gov.uk