Legal aid troubles raise risk of domestic violence for women

A shortage of lawyers prepared to take legal aid cases is raising the risk of domestic violence for women in provincial centres.

A Marlborough mother beaten by her former partner last week had given up on seeking a protection order when she could not obtain legal aid.

The woman had been granted a temporary protection order but the partner had indicated he would contest a permanent ruling.

Only two Blenheim lawyers have been accepting limited legal aid referrals since March when the main provider, Crichton Loach, said it could no longer afford the work.

The woman was referred to a Nelson lawyer, but was fobbed off, says the Marlborough Women's Refuge.

Law firms around the country have been pulling out of legal aid, claiming they are losing money. Legal aid pay scales were last improved 10 years ago.

The shortages are worst in isolated towns including Kaikohe, Thames and Wairoa in the North Island and all around the South Island.

A harder line by Government beancounters and increased paperwork are also driving lawyers out.

"Getting paid four hours for a job that may take 20 hours - it's just not a viable service," says Tauranga Women's Refuge manager Hazel Hape.

The Government is preparing to extend legal aid eligibility to thousands more under the Legal Services Amendment Act.

From March 1, income thresholds will be raised for the first time in 20 years, boosting the number of grants from 60,000 to about 85,000 a year.

Tauranga lawyer Chris Forbes said: "It's going to bring more complex issues in and more property cases because of the higher income level."