Call to drop legal fees in domestic violence cases

Victims of domestic violence should not have to pay legal fees, as it is preventing those in desperate situations from seeking help.

FLAC, the network of Free Legal Advice Centres, called on the Legal Aid Board to drop legal fees for victims of domestic violence ahead of the launch today of its 2016 annual report which shows that 25,710 people received legal advice from volunteer lawyers at its nationwide network of advice clinics or through its helpline.

FLAC chief executive Eilis Barry said civil legal aid fees should be automatically waived for victims of domestic violence when seeking safety, protection, or barring orders.