The High Court is due to decide whether to allow a challenge to rules that determine whether victims of domestic abuse get legal aid in family cases.
Campaign groups claim many are unable to provide the evidence required to qualify for funding. This results in that victims take no legal action and remain at risk of further violence and even death.
The government says thousands of people have successfully applied for legal aid for domestic abuse.
The legal aid changes introduced by the government in April last year require victims of domestic violence to provide a prescribed forms of evidence. Not only do victims need to come into scope on the merits of a case they also need to come into scope financially.
Examples of evidence required is that the abuser has accepted a caution for domestic violence within the last 24 months.
Family cases include those involving divorce and child access.
Legal aid helps with the costs of legal advice for people who cannot afford it.
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act, which came into force in April 2013, removed funding from entire areas of civil law, including private family law, however family law cases involving domestic violence, forced marriage or child abduction continued to be funded.
The government says legal aid for domestic abuse must be available to people who have suffered, or are suffering, domestic violence.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, contact our domestic abuse team at our offices. We also offer a free 24hour domestic abuse legal helpline.
24 Hour Legal Advice Domestic Violence Helpline
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0808 156 3863
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07872 456369