FLAG DV specialises in bridging the gap between domestic-abuse survivors and accessible family-law advice. Operating mainly in the Thames Valley area (and increasingly beyond), the charity organises free legal clinics where survivors can consult qualified solicitors for up to 30 minutes. Often, individuals experiencing domestic violence feel overwhelmed at the thought of engaging a solicitor or tackling the family courts. FLAG DV makes that first step approachable by ensuring the initial consultation is cost-free and led by professionals well-versed in domestic abuse issues.
Beyond the clinic model, FLAG DV uses volunteer expertise and partnerships to expand its reach. Those who attend a session typically learn about their legal rights regarding divorce, separation, child arrangements, and injunctive protections like Non-Molestation Orders.
If more lengthy representation is needed, FLAG DV signposts them to local firms offering legal aid (where eligible) or reduced-fee services. The emphasis is on eliminating financial obstacles so that survivors can act decisively to secure safety for themselves and any children involved. In parallel, FLAG DV trains front-line services, like domestic violence advocates or housing officers, to spot legal red flags and guide survivors toward timely legal help.
Key Services
- Free Legal Clinics: Face-to-face or virtual consultations offering 30 minutes of tailored family-law advice.
- Specialist Solicitor Network: Collaborates with lawyers who understand domestic abuse dynamics, ensuring empathetic counsel.
- Signposting & Referrals: Helps clients find continued representation if they need more than an initial briefing.
- Professional Training: Educates other charities and agencies on family-law basics, enabling coherent support for survivors.
Why It’s Valuable
FLAG DV’s focus on immediate, no-cost legal guidance can be lifesaving for individuals who are fleeing abuse but uncertain how to navigate the law. This user-friendly approach helps survivors gain clarity about how to protect themselves (and their children) from ongoing harm, whether via injunctions, child custody orders, or divorce petitions.
By removing cost barriers in the early stages, FLAG DV encourages survivors to seek justice and security rather than remain in dangerous relationships due to financial worries. In short, it’s a crucial lifeline for those needing swift, informed legal direction but lacking the resources or confidence to pursue it alone
Website: https://flagdv.org.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1185566