Charity launches free legal support for domestic abuse victims

A domestic abuse charity has launched free specialist legal support for women in Orkney and Shetland.

Shetland Women's Aid said a dedicated solicitor would work alongside the charity's local services.

The announcement follows concerns about the barriers women in rural and island communities often face when accessing legal help related to domestic abuse.

A spokesperson for the charity said "trauma-informed" advice was essential to supporting women and children through civil proceedings.

The new service is a partnership between Shetland Women's Aid, Orkney Women's Aid and Baker Gostelow Family Law.

It is being funded by the Legal Education Foundation and supported by Scottish Women's Aid.

The charity said local legal representation had been a "significant gap" because of limited solicitors and conflicts of interest in small communities.

Women in Orkney and Shetland have often been accessing legal services remotely, which can be expensive and time limited.

Laura Stronach, manager of Shetland Women's Aid, said the new solicitor would "make a real difference".

Stronach said: "Having access to specialist legal support locally is a significant step forward, empowering women to make informed choices."

The solicitor will conduct in-person meetings and be present for court proceedings.

The charity said it hoped the appointment would lead to more women coming forward.

Shona Ewen, the new solicitor, said informed advice was essential to avoid legal processes being used to further abusive behaviour.