Jen Law, a solicitor dealing with domestic abuse in Devon and Somerset, has been registered to undertake court appointed cross-examination in domestic abuse cases.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 prohibits domestic abuse perpetrators and victims from cross-examining each other in family and civil proceedings. Under the Act the court can appoint a “Qualified Legal Representative” to conduct cross-examination, and Slee Blackwell partner Jen Law has been registered to act in this role.
The idea behind having lawyers like Jen conducting cross-examination is to reduce the trauma that domestic abuse victims face in court.
The legal fees for solicitor-advocates carrying out court appointed cross-examination in domestic abuse cases will be paid from central funds, rather than by the parties themselves.
Jen is looking forward to her new role and recognises how important this is for victims of domestic abuse in Devon and Somerset. She commented:
“The new provisions are a massive step forward and will protect many vulnerable people from intimidation when dealing with legal proceedings in court. The reform is long overdue as for far too long, unrepresented parties in family and civil cases have had to face final Court hearings on their own. For both the person being questioned, and the person asking the questions without professional support this is a terrifying prospect. The reforms will provide a layer of protection and professionalism for all involved.”
Slee Blackwell Solicitors deal with domestic abuse in Devon and Somerset and you can contact Jen Law to discuss how we can help, either by calling our free helpline on 0333 888 0404 or by sending an email to us at [email protected]
