Explanatory Memorandum

Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

2021 CHAPTER 2

1 March 2021

Commentary on Sections

Part 1, Chapter 3 – Miscellaneous Provision

Section 29: Proposals as to availability of civil legal aid

This section requires the Department of Justice to bring forward a report setting out proposals to reduce the cost for the victim of defending proceedings brought against them by an abusive partner, and for making it more difficult for abusers to access civil legal services to bring vexatious applications and to perpetuate their abuse through the courts.

Section 29 comes into operation the day after Royal Assent.