University of Surrey - School of Law

Supporting victims of domestic violence

In November 2005 the National Centre for Domestic Violence launched the McKenzie Friend scheme in association with the University of Surrey's School of Law. The scheme, which is now celebrating its first anniversary, enables law students to act as volunteers in court in cases of domestic violence and abuse. The volunteers provide moral support, advice, and confidence, and if the judge allows, can speak on behalf of the victim in court.

With one in four women and one in six men likely to be victims of domestic in their lives, and with an average of 30 calls to the Guildford hotline a week, the students provide an invaluable social service to the community.

Pictured - NCDV founder and director Steve Connor with Surrey law students (Rachel Glover, James McSweeney, Ian Curtis, Phil Blatchley, Michael Cullen, Claire Boucher, Mark Gilmartin, Lorna Heselton)