Top perpetrators of VAWG targeted under new national strategy
Women and girls will be better protected under a new national strategy using advanced data analysis and algorithms to relentlessly target the most dangerous perpetrators of abuse. This initiative is part of an ambitious, unprecedented mission to reduce such violence by 50% within the next decade. It will see police forces use new data-driven tools […]
Domestic abuse survivor labels abusers as ‘domestic terrorists’ amid warnings of soaring violence
A domestic violence survivor has described abusers as “domestic terrorists,” calling for domestic abuse and violence to be treated as a national emergency, as reported by The BBC. Rachel Williams, who was shot by her ex-husband in 2011, spoke out about the lasting impact of the attack, which left her with life-changing injuries. “Domestic abuse […]
Families who lost women to domestic violence call for change of law that imposes lighter sentencing for murders carried out within the home
The families of seven women who died due to domestic violence gathered at parliament square to call for urgent review of sentencing guidelines for men who kill current of former partners. The loved ones will be holding black and blue plaques bearing the words: “The same murder outside the home would get a decade more. […]
Starmer says domestic abuse victims ‘will have security they deserve’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has committed to providing housing for veterans, young care leavers, and survivors of domestic abuse, while also pledging to introduce a duty of candour law in Parliament before April next year. In his keynote speech at the Labour Party Conference on Tuesday, Starmer promised that his government would ensure housing […]
‘Mortgage abuse traps’ have left women going without food and toiletries as perpetrators refuse to pay their share
Concerning figures have shown that domestic abusers are ‘using joint mortgages’ against women in a bid to cause economic harm – these ‘mortgage based abuse traps’ prevent victims from leaving or render them economically destitute. A report by charity Surviving Economic Abuse has revealed that one in eight UK women who have held a joint […]
Legal Hero solicitors praised for community dedication
Solicitors who have continuously worked to make a long-lasting difference to the lives of others were celebrated today at the Law Society of England and Wales’ Legal Heroes 2024. Winners and nominees attended the ceremony with friends and family to celebrate their achievements and efforts for pushing positive change. The Legal Heroes 2024 winners are: […]
The Intermediary Cooperative highlights communication support failings in Family Court hearings
Vulnerable people are not receiving the communication support they require in Family Court hearings, according to The Intermediary Cooperative. The not-for-profit organisation says that many service users feel let down by the justice system. Lucy Swindlehurst has recently become a member of The Intermediary Cooperative following an extensive career working in education. Ms Swindlehurst is […]
SEND parents forced to quit work to fight for in-school support for their children
A survey has revealed that 41 per cent of parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have had to leave their jobs to pursue their children’s legal rights to in-school support, according to research by Support SEND Kids, a charity which helps SEND children access the right educational provision. The survey, entitled […]
LegalRunner launches to improve wellbeing through exercise
The incoming Vice President of The Law Society of England and Wales has launched a new initiative, which is set to form part of his own Presidential term, to encourage the legal profession to focus on improving their mental health and wellbeing through regular exercise. Mark Evans, who is a lecturer at the University of […]
Landmark legislation allows UK lawyers to practise in Greece
The Greek government has passed a new law through Greek parliament, enabling UK lawyers to practise in Greece under their home title. This significant development marks the culmination of more than three years of continuous efforts by the Law Society of England and Wales in close collaboration with UK government officials, law firms and the […]
Surge in legal gender change applications as Labour considers simplification reforms
A record number of individuals applied to legally change their gender last year, as the UK government weighs options to fulfil an election promise aimed at streamlining the process, as reported by The Times. Official data indicates that the Gender Recognition Panel, composed of doctors and lawyers who authorise such changes, received 1,397 applications in […]
Conference to cover gaslighting, domestic abuse, ToLATA disputes, cohabitation and more…
The Today’s Family Lawyer Private Law Conference returns to Manchester on 20th September 2024 and organisers Today’s Media can now reveal the line up of topics and speakers. Tickets for ‘Family Law Futures: Navigating Tomorrow’s Challenges Today’ are also available for £99 +VAT per person. With a mix of CPD/ continuing competence presentations alongside law […]
Ofsted: Council ‘still failing’ to support some children
Cheshire West and Chester Council has been urged to improve its care for homeless young people and children transitioning out of care, as reported by The BBC. Ofsted also flagged concerns over a small number of children being housed in unregistered and therefore “illegal” care homes. In its first inspection of the council’s children’s services […]
Gang members sentenced in sham marriage documents scam
Nigerian nationals Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi and Adekunle Kabir have been jailed for a total of 13 years after a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court. The court heard how, between March 2019 and May 2023, the defendants conspired to make fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications. They provided false Nigerian […]
Only one in five believes they can access justice, research reveals
Only one in five (21%) believes justice is accessible, warns the Law Society of England and Wales. This warning comes as research by the Law Society and the Legal Services Board reveals that the justice system is not open for all, as one in three (38%) with legal issues did not receive any help. One […]
Navigating the SRA AML Questionnaire: Key Insights for Law Firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has rolled out a new AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Questionnaire, and if you’re involved in managing compliance for a law firm, this is something you’ll want to pay close attention to. The questionnaire is designed to gather detailed information about your firm’s approach to AML, including your risk assessments, policies, and […]
Prenuptial agreements amid high-profile marriages and divorces sparks debate
Recent high-profile marriages and divorces have reignited conversations around the growing need for prenuptial agreements as an “increasingly important tool” for those looking to safeguard their pre-marital wealth ahead of entering into a marriage. A key example from Netflix’s Love is Blind UK has added fuel to the debate. Fans were shocked when contestant Freddie […]
New Victims’ Commissioner survey looks at impact of court delays on victims
New victim survey seeks to understand the impact of court waiting times — including delays caused by the Crown Court backlog — on victims across England and Wales. The Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, has launched a new survey exploring the impact court waiting times have on victims across England and Wales and the services in […]
NSPCC calling on the UK government to improve support for reunited families
A lack of continued support for families when their children return home from care is costing hundreds of millions of pounds each year, according to new research that we commissioned. The study, Supporting Children and Families returning home from care: Counting the costs shows that £316 million is being spent each year on sending children […]
Refuge announces Nikita Kanda as Ambassador and a face of Refuge’s Summer Escape Appeal
BBC broadcaster Nikita Kanda has joined charity Refuge as an ambassador to shine a light on the charity’s life-saving work supporting survivors of domestic abuse and is one of the faces of Refuge’s Summer Escape Appeal. Nikita Kanda has hosted the prestigious Breakfast Show on BBC Asian Network since July 2022 and has won awards for […]