A CONTROVERSIAL £318 debt fee, which victims of domestic abuse were previously required to pay, is being scrapped.
The fee is typically charged to victims who wish to have their details removed from public records, making it more difficult for their abusers to trace their whereabouts.
However, the Ministry of Justice has announced it is scrapping the £318 “Person at Risk of Violence” Order (Parv) fee to end the financial barrier for survivors to protect themselves from being tracked down.
Currently when someone seeks formal help for their debts, such as through a debt relief order, their name and address is required by law to be published on the Insolvency Register.
The change coming into force in November will mean those applying for a Parv order, which is the only legal way to stop personal details being published, will be able to do so at no cost.
The move comes as part of the Government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
Announcing the change, courts and legal services minister Sarah Sackman KC said: “Women who experience domestic abuse can spend their lives on the run.
“They deserve protection.
“The publication of victims’ personal details on the Insolvency Register must not be another tool perpetrators can use to torment their victims.
“This simple change can be the difference between a life of peace and one of fear.
“I hope that abolishing this fee gives some degree of relief to the people who need it.”
Those applying for a Parv order must show that they reasonably believe that publishing their address may lead to violence.
The chief executive of charity Surviving Economic Abuse, Sam Smethers, welcomed the change ending survivors being forced to pay extra to stay safe.
She said: “This blocked many from accessing vital insolvency options because the perpetrator’s economic abuse left them unable to afford the fee.
“Removing this cost is an important step towards ensuring survivors can seek protection without taking on yet more financial burden when trying to resolve coerced debts.”
Money Wellness, a debt advice service which campaigned for the change, said the move was an important step.
Public affairs and policy officer Adam Rolfe said: “It means survivors can focus on rebuilding their finances and moving forward without the fear that seeking debt help could put them at risk.
“We now hope to build on this progress to make sure the entire insolvency system truly supports people to recover from an abusive relationship safely and with dignity.”
Help for domestic abuse survivors
THE Flexible Fund offers one-off payments to help survivors of domestic abuse in England and Wales.
There are two types of help:
- Flee Fund: Up to £500 for essentials like food, nappies, and clothes when urgently leaving an abusive situation.
- Future Fund: Up to £2,500 to help survivors move towards a safer and more stable future, such as a deposit for a new place to live.
The Fund has now been extended and will is available until February 2026.
Survivors cannot apply for this support by themselves. Instead, they need an eligible organisation – like a local domestic abuse charity or helpline – to apply on their behalf.
Here’s what they need to do:
- Check if you’re eligible
Survivors should first check if they meet the criteria for help (the criteria can be found on the relevant website). - Find a local support service
A directory of services is available online, and survivors can use this directory to find organisations in their area that can help. Not every service will have space or funding to offer the support, but the directory gives a good starting point. - Contact the service
Once a suitable organisation is found, survivors should contact them directly to talk about their situation and request a referral to the Flexible Fund.
The scheme aims to help as many people as possible, but someone cannot receive the Flee Fund more than once, and likewise for the Future Fund.
However, a survivor who has received money from the Flee Fund may still be able to get help from the Future Fund later, as these are meant for different points in the journey towards safety and independence.
Once a survivor is in touch with a key worker at a recognised service, they will be able to discuss their circumstances in detail and get advice on what help is available.
What other support and advice is available?
If you’re not sure whether you’re actually being abused, you can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline.
This is available on 0808 2000 247 in England, 0808 801 0800 in Wales, 0800 027 1234 in Scotland and 0808 802 1414 in Northern Ireland.
There’s also the National LGBT and Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 999 5428.
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors, can also be reached on 0808 801 0327 and is run by Respect.
Boris Johnson launched a scheme back in 2021, where victims “Ask for Ani” – meaning ‘Action Needed Immediately’.
It’s is a codeword scheme that enables victims of domestic abuse to discreetly ask for immediate help in participating pharmacies and Jobcentres (Jobs and Benefits Offices in Northern Ireland).
Over 5,000 pharmacies, including Boots, Lloyds and community pharmacies, are now enrolled in the scheme.
Of course, if you find yourself in an emergency, you should always call the police on 999.
Signs your relationship is heading for a divorce
- Persistent communication breakdowns
Constant misunderstandings, arguments, or a complete lack of meaningful conversation can signal deep-seated issues. - Emotional distance
Feeling like roommates rather than partners, with a noticeable lack of intimacy or emotional connection. - Frequent criticism and contempt
Regularly criticising each other and showing contempt, such as sarcasm, eye-rolling, or mocking, can erode the relationship’s foundation. - Unresolved conflicts
Recurrent arguments about the same issues without any resolution can indicate deeper incompatibilities. - Loss of trust
Trust is crucial in any relationship. If it’s been broken and cannot be rebuilt, it may be a sign that the relationship is in trouble. - Different life goals
Significant differences in future aspirations, such as career goals, lifestyle choices, or family planning, can create insurmountable divides. - Avoidance
Preferring to spend time apart rather than together, whether through work, hobbies, or social activities, can indicate a desire to escape the relationship. - Lack of support
Feeling unsupported, whether emotionally, financially, or practically, can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment. - Financial disagreements
Constantly arguing about money, spending habits, or financial priorities can strain the relationship. - Infidelity
Whether physical or emotional, infidelity can be a major breach of trust and a sign of deeper issues in the relationship. - Changes in affection
A noticeable decrease in affection, physical touch, or romantic gestures can indicate a loss of connection.
