First Step To Safety: Justice for Norfolk’s Domestic Abuse Victims
Norfolk Community Law Service (NCLS) has been awarded £499k over 5 years by National Lottery Community Fund, to run its domestic abuse advice and support services.
This will more than fill the gap in funding left by the withdrawal of Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk (OPCC), a decision disputed at that time by David Powles, CEO of NCLS, who had said it would potentially put vulnerable domestic abuse victims at more risk.
NCLS aims to empower people in Norfolk to understand and assert their legal rights, and securing this funding means it can provide free, urgent advice and support to those experiencing domestic abuse, helping them to stay safe.
This work also fits with the National Lottery’s mission to reduce health inequalities, as domestic abuse is strongly linked to poor mental health, substance dependency, isolation and increased suicide risk. NCLS was able to show how helping people leave abusive relationships is vital to improving their health and wellbeing.
Specifically, the funding will enable the following support to be in place for 5 years:
- Initial legal support to domestic abuse victims so they know what legal options are available to them and where to get further help;
- Ongoing legal advice and support with legal injunctions that provide immediate protection from ongoing abuse, including Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders;
- Support at court through our “McKenzie Friends” service so that people feel empowered and confident to represent themselves;
- Improved processes to better include client voices, bringing their expertise into the organisation which can benefit wider services, and involving service users to help shape future service planning and provision;
- Campaigning work, to take learning and information to the wider community. Ultimately, contributing to policy change and improving systems that can save lives.
NCLS’ work with domestic abuse victims is made even more important by the fact that many victims in Norfolk are unable to access free legal aid at all or face significant delays before it becomes available. There is a “legal aid desert” in the county, meaning that even people who are eligible for legal aid often cannot find a solicitor to help them.
David Powles said:
“Every day, our Domestic Abuse Advice team helps people access legal advice, understand their rights and take steps towards a safer future.
“Our clients are often highly vulnerable and at risk of homelessness, poverty and serious mental health problems. Our service helps victims to remain safe, to secure housing and income, protect their children, and reduce the long-term emotional and financial consequences of abuse. This delivers lasting benefits for individuals, families and the wider community.
“Therefore, it’s a vital service and one that is desperately needed. This funding will enable us to continue making a massive difference to the lives of survivors across Norfolk.
“This is absolutely brilliant news for NCLS and for domestic abuse victims in Norfolk and we are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery for recognising the importance of our service and the fact that without it, many vulnerable domestic abuse victims could miss out on legal advice and end up feeling unable to escape their situation.” could miss out on legal advice and end up feeling unable to escape their situation.”
For more information about NCLS go to Free legal advice – Norfolk Community Law Service or call 01603 496623 (Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 4.30 pm).