With notice of a second wave looming the NSW Government has bolstered the funds to legal aid with a whopping $15.6 million from a Commonwealth funding package.
NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman announced this week that “As people face job losses, tenancy issues, financial insecurity and, horrifically, the increasing risk of violence behind closed doors, there are more people than ever contacting Legal Aid, community legal centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service”.
Statistics provided by the domestic violence unit at Legal Aid NSW revealed they received more calls in the past 16 weeks than it would typically receive in 12 months. Reports indicate since March 4 there have been 1600 calls for respite, 600 more than the annual average.
With a boost in funds, access to Legal Aid will allow for family violence survivors to get the help and subsequent advice they require to ensure they can escape violent households and maintain a level of safety within households.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing family violence and need legal advice, please contact one our specialist lawyers.
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