Jeremy Hunt urged to ban GP fees for 'immoral' domestic violence letters
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Version 0 of 1. Jeremy Hunt has been urged to scrap the “callous, insensitive and unjust” practice of charging victims of domestic violence up to £175 for a medical letter to prove they were abused. A letter signed by 16 police and crime commissioners tells the health secretary that some GPs are charging the fees for a document that allows victims to access legal aid. Tony Lloyd, the Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner, said: “That victims of domestic abuse are even being asked to prove they are victims before they can access legal aid is insulting, insensitive and wholly unhelpful. “It should not be a privilege for victims of domestic abuse to gain legal aid. There should be no further burden on victims to chase a letter to verify their claim. The government needs to scrap this fee by bringing the service under NHS funding or – better still – scrap the need for the letter entirely.” Due to recent changes to legislation, victims of domestic abuse now have to provide a piece of evidence – such as a GP’s letter – to prove the abuse before they can access legal aid. Not all GPs are charging for this letter, campaigners say, but some have required fees of up to £175 from victims who have endured rape, beatings or mental abuse by their partner. The letter by police and crime commissioners also calls on Liz Truss, the justice secretary, to scrap the requirement for the letter altogether. The letter says: “Reports of domestic abuse are increasing across the country. Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by their partner or former partner. Escaping abusive relationships is a struggle; it takes a great deal of strength and courage, and the government must do all it can to avoid placing unnecessary barriers in front of people who are clearly desperate to change their circumstances. “It should not be a privilege for victims of domestic abuse to gain legal aid. There should be no further burden on victims to chase a letter to verify their claim.” Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader, first raised the controversial fee after visiting a women’s refuge in Wythenshawe, Manchester. He said: “People suffering domestic abuse are already incredibly vulnerable. We should be taking action to help them, not demanding payment for a letter they need to access justice. “Nearly half of women take no action as a result of not being able to apply for legal aid. That’s appalling. Help for victims of domestic violence should never come at a price. “I have requested an urgent meeting with ministers to put an end to this practice. The government should scrap this unfair, immoral fee now. It has to stop.” Sarah Green, co-director of the End Violence Against Women campaign, described the intervention by PCCs as extremely welcome. She said: “Without access to legal aid, some women are being denied access to justice and protection for themselves and their families. It is unreasonable to put a ‘certifying’ duty on doctors and many women would not in any case disclose domestic abuse to their GP. “This matter mirrors the unreasonable arrangements being put in place for rape survivors trying to access tax credits for children conceived as a result of rape – again they need a letter from a doctor or other officialdom. These rules need wholesale revision.” |