I write to comment on the item ‘Abuse victims shun law’ (see [2009] Gazette, 12 February, 4). I work in the area of domestic abuse and have done so for eight years.

I agree that this is an area that requires a specialist service. I am appalled at the incorrect and often unsympathetic advice given to sufferers/survivors of domestic abuse, not only by some solicitors, but also agencies claiming to offer a fast, easy legal service (and that are not legally qualified).

The Legal Services Commission should penalise these agencies. Not only is the level of service appalling, I have seen affidavits submitted with the basic law being quoted incorrectly.

It does not surprise me that abuse victims are shunning the law when genuine applications are rejected due to the incompetence of the adviser. The victim is forgotten and the LSC duped.

Kuljit Lally, Adams Moore, Leighton Buzzard