Merthyr Tydfil and Nelson-based solicitors practice, JNP Legal has partnered up with the Teulu MAC (Multi-Agency Centre) to offer free and confidential advice to victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Teulu (Welsh for ‘family’) is the collective name for a group of organisations aiming to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for victims of domestic abuse in Merthyr Tydfil, including Victim Support, Safer Merthyr Tydfil, BAWSO, Llamau Women’s Services & South Wales Police.
JNP Legal will be holding monthly clinics at the MAC providing free legal advice to those who use the facilities. The first clinic took place in January and after a second successful session a decision was made to hold the clinic on a monthly basis.
Sara Tomaszewski, a solicitor within JNP Legal’s family law department, will be leading the sessions, with support from paralegal Hannah George.
Sara explained: “The first interview with a solicitor can be a very difficult and even intimidating experience for victims of domestic abuse. Holding these initial meetings in a familiar environment reduces the amount of stress they cause to people who are already likely to be in a particularly vulnerable position.
“We hope to be able to help all those who come along to the clinic, whether they are looking to take on a solicitor or just require some help identifying the free services available to them. We can assist people in their application for legal aid or, if they are not eligible, we can give them practical advice about where else they can look for help.
“The Teulu MAC provides victims of abuse with commendable all-round support and we are pleased to be able to play a part in this by lending our legal expertise.”
Individuals will be able to book appointments in advance via staff at the Teulu MAC. If an urgent consultation is required mid month, Teulu MAC users will be able to visit the JNP Legal offices in Merthyr Tydfil accompanied by a support worker.
Leanne Webber, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy Co-ordinator for Merthyr Tydfil, approached JNP Legal after hearing about the free drop-in clinics the solicitors practice was running in partnership with other community groups, including the 3Gs in Gurnos, the Dowlais Forum and the Treharris Boys and Girls Club.
Leanne commented: “The core services within the Teulu Partnership are really grateful to JNP Legal for kindly offering to complement the MAC by providing much needed legal advice clinics for families experiencing domestic abuse. It will be much less daunting for women and men in this situation to see a legal specialist in a familiar, safe environment, where they can also access other forms of support within the same building.”
JNP Legal provides expertise in many areas of law including family, wills and probate, personal injury, conveyancing and criminal law. Established in 1981 and with offices in both Merthyr Tydfil and Nelson, JNP Legal is well placed to meet the needs of its local clients.