Protecting Through Partnership: Domestic Abuse Alliance and East Sussex County Council

Andrea* is a 21-year-old woman from East Sussex. She suffered years of repeated sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by her perpetrator and still bears physical scars on her body from his attacks. Yet, despite pursuing criminal justice proceedings for the abuse she has endured at his hands, Andrea’s perpetrator was not convicted of a criminal offence. Andrea has continued to live in fear, at risk of further harm. When our call handling team spoke to her, it was clear that Andrea had strong grounds for a civil protection order. However, after conducting a financial means assessment, Andrea was found not eligible for legal aid, yet she had no access to private finance to fund civil legal proceedings. This meant if she decided to apply for a civil injunction she would have to self-represent in court – a daunting prospect for anyone and not least a survivor of prolonged abuse.  Financial support to cover her essential legal costs was granted by East Sussex County Council through its Legal Costs Fund which enabled Andrea to secure legal representation to progress her application. The Legal Costs Fund was set up using ring-fenced funding from Government to support the delivery of the duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to enable access to or maintenance of safe accommodation. Without the protection of a court order, Andrea was fearful that her perpetrator was going to follow through on his threats to hurt her or damage her property. He continued his threats, despite having previous criminal charges made against him. Andrea needed the civil injunction for her safety and to maintain safe accommodation. A without notice hearing for Andrea’s application was listed at Hastings family court and a Non-Molestation Order was subsequently granted.

Rosie Watson, head of external relations, Domestic Abuse Alliance said: “Sadly, Andrea’s experience is not an isolated case. In 2024 we helped nine victims-survivors in East Sussex, with no recourse to legal funding, to secure civil injunctions supported through East Sussex County Council’s Legal Costs Fund. This financial aid has ensured that vulnerable people receive professional legal representation, when they need it most. The vital step change we would like to see is for legal aid means testing to be removed for all victims-survivors of domestic abuse so they can receive free and faster access to civil justice.”   Darrell Gale, East Sussex Director of Public Health, said: “We are very pleased to have partnered with the Domestic Abuse Alliance on this important initiative to use the ring-fenced Domestic Abuse Act funding, provided by Government, to enable access to or maintenance of safe accommodation. Providing this legal support so people can obtain the protection they require to feel safe in their own homes is a vital resource for our residents.   “Our supportive partnership with the Domestic Abuse Alliance has made this project a success and it will continue to help ensure people can access safe accommodation after they have experienced domestic abuse.”

*Not the victim-survivor’s real name which has been protected for her anonymity. The Domestic Abuse Alliance provides civil legal support and protection for people living with domestic abuse. The free to use WEPROTECT mobile app enables instant victim referral to ensure that appropriate legal support and protection is actioned without delay. Referrals can also be made online and the Domestic Abuse Alliance operates a telephone helpline for professionals and survivors: 0800 101 7110.