PLANS to improve legal services for victims of domestic abuse have been welcomed by a York charity.

This week, the Ministry of Justice announced it would change the rules around access to legal aid, following consultation with victims of domestic abuse, to scrap a five-year time limit on abuse evidence.

The changes will also see the range of documents accepted as evidence widened, so statements from domestic violence support organisations and housing support officers will now be treated on the same level as statements from social services, law enforcement agencies and medical professionals.

The Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) is a York-based charity which helps victims of domestic abuse, and welcomed the changes to legal aid, which CEO Sarah Hill said would make the process much easier for victims.

She said: “Many victims of domestic abuse have found it difficult to get legal support through the family courts because of the restrictions to legal aid. Without funding to pay for a solicitor some victims have faced cross examination by their abuser in court which puts them at risk of further harm.

“We therefore welcome the MOJ’s recent decision to lift some restrictions on the evidence required to access legal aid funding as a victim or survivor of domestic abuse. The changes recognise that domestic abuse often continues long after a relationship has ended and will increase access to legal representation for some victims of domestic abuse. We hope that this will improve the protections available to survivors and their children.”

For help or support, contact IDAS by visiting idas.org.uk or phone 0300 011 0110