Family Protection Agency (FPA) has begun providing legal aid service to victims of domestic violence.
FPA stated that the legal aid service will help assist survivors through the legal process to receive protection and redress against abuse. The service is expected to strengthen the mechanisms for dealing with domestic violence and will also help in the prevention of domestic abuse. Forms to apply for legal aid are available on the FPA website as well as at the agency's counter.
It is the responsibility of the state under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act to provide the victims of domestic violence with the protection of the law and assist them in seeking justice in a timely manner to enable them to live safely in society. However, FPA noted that despite efforts by various agencies and private organisations in the past 11 years, little has been done to provide legal assistance to the victims of domestic violence.
Additionally, FPA stated that there are still many challenges for victims to receive justice. The agency emphasised that victims of domestic violence suffer profound physical and psychological harm and therefore it was important to provide the necessary legal aid for them to receive justice as soon as possible.