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A scheme allowing victims of domestic violence to access legal aid quickly is made permanent

Interim arrangements were put in place last year which made it easier for the victims of domestic violence to go to court and obtain Non-Molestation Orders.

Justice Minister David Ford has reviewed the impact of the interim arrangements and has instructed that from the beginning of the New Year, they will operate on a permanent basis.

He said: “Under the new arrangements, over 100 victims of domestic violence who would have previously found it difficult to apply for Non-Molestation Orders, have been able to get the protection from the courts they need for themselves and their families.

“Making the changes to allow more people to access legal aid was a reasonably straight forward step to take, but the impact it has made to the individuals accessing the scheme has been significant.

“Over the past year I have met with many organisations that support victims of domestic violence and all have lobbied for a continuation of the arrangements. I know that they will welcome this announcement.”

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