During Prime Minister's Questions last week, Connor Naismith MP raised the issue of domestic abuse survivors being refused legal aid, because of equity tied up in a family home that cannot realistically be accessed in practice.

Mr Naismith urged ministers to consider whether the current system is doing enough to support victims who are trying to leave abusive relationships, secure custody arrangements, and pursue justice through the courts.

Domestic abuse victims face significant hurdles when fleeing their abuser, including the financial pressures of living independently and protecting themselves and their family from their ex-partner.

When legal proceedings take place, victims can accrue significant costs trying to secure representation.

Under normal circumstances, people who are unable to cover these costs would be eligible for legal aid, a publicly funded service.

During Prime Minister's Questions last week, Connor Naismith MP raised the issue of domestic abuse survivors being refused legal aid (Photo: UK Parliament).

However, some victims of domestic abuse have found themselves unable to access this service due to assets which they hold but are unable to access due to their abusive relationship.

For example, if they hold equity in the family home.

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Such cases are referred to as 'trapped capital' and can force victims of domestic abuse to incur significant financial debts, creating a further power imbalance in their relationship.

While there is legal precedent for assets to be discounted from legal aid assessments in these situations, many victims still struggle to get the necessary support.

Mr Naismith told Nub News: "No survivor of domestic abuse should be denied access to justice because of assets that exist only on paper.

"This Labour Government has already taken significant steps to tackle violence against women and girls, but there is always more to do to ensure victims can access the support they need.

"I will continue working with constituents and colleagues across Parliament to press for a system that works fairly for victims and helps them rebuild their lives in safety."