New Legal Support Service for Women in Orkney and Shetland
A domestic abuse charity has introduced free specialist legal assistance for women in Orkney and Shetland.
Shetland Women's Aid announced that a dedicated solicitor will collaborate with the charity's local services to provide this support.
The initiative addresses concerns regarding the challenges women in rural and island communities frequently encounter when seeking legal help related to domestic abuse.
Importance of Trauma-Informed Legal Advice
A spokesperson for the charity emphasized the necessity of "trauma-informed" advice to effectively support women and children throughout civil legal proceedings.
Partnership and Funding
This new service is a collaborative effort between Shetland Women's Aid, Orkney Women's Aid, and Baker Gostelow Family Law.
Funding for the project is provided by the Legal Education Foundation, with additional support from Scottish Women's Aid.
Addressing Local Legal Representation Gaps
The charity highlighted that local legal representation has been a "significant gap" due to a limited number of solicitors and potential conflicts of interest within small communities.
Previously, women in Orkney and Shetland often had to access legal services remotely, which could be costly and time-restricted.
Impact of the New Solicitor
Laura Stronach, manager of Shetland Women's Aid, stated that the appointment of the new solicitor would "make a real difference."
"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 attend court proceedings to provide direct support.
The charity expressed hope that this appointment will encourage more women to come forward and seek assistance.
Statements from the New Solicitor
Shona Ewen, the newly appointed solicitor, emphasized the importance of informed advice to prevent legal processes from being exploited to perpetuate abusive behavior.
