Assisting victims

The Act barred alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse and their victims from cross-examining each other in person. The bar applies in specified circumstances in family and civil proceedings. Under the provisions, barristers, solicitors and CILEX practitioners with cross-examination experience and vulnerable witness and advocacy training can be appointed directly by the court as ‘qualified legal representatives’ to cross-examine prohibited parties, helping to ensure that victims are spared further abuse by perpetrators.

The application form and statutory guidance can be accessed here.