Pro Bono Services
“Survivors deserve the best we can offer. And then we still go the extra mile.”
Sharon Bryan, Survivor & Advocate
Pro Bono Legal Support
At the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV), we are committed to helping survivors access protection quickly, safely, and without financial barriers. Our pro bono work supports people who cannot afford a solicitor and are not eligible for legal aid funding, those who may be experiencing economic abuse, and those with no recourse to public funds.
For many survivors, the legal system can feel overwhelming at the exact moment they need it most. We exist to make protection more reachable, with real people, practical support, and a trauma-informed approach.
What we provide
Our pro bono support is designed to help survivors take urgent steps towards safety, even when they can’t access a solicitor.
Litigant in Person support
We support survivors who are representing themselves (Litigants in Person) by helping with:
- Drafting and structuring witness statements.
- Helping with supporting documents needed for applications.
- Guidance on preparing for court and what to expect.
Signposting and next-step support
We also:
- Signpost to specialist services during triage.
- Help people understand options and next steps.
Please note: our support is focused on helping survivors access protection; it does not replace independent legal advice.
The Sharon Bryan Internship Programme
Sharon Bryan 1966 – 2025
NCDV colleague, survivor, advocate
Sharon stood with survivors, every step of the way
The Sharon Bryan Internship Programme honours the life and legacy of our colleague Sharon Bryan, a survivor of domestic abuse and one of the most influential advocates for victim safety and justice in England and Wales.
Sharon believed that access to protection should never depend on wealth, confidence, or connections. She knew that when the system is inaccessible or intimidating, people remain at risk.
This programme continues her mission: standing with survivors, every step of the way – while shaping the trauma-informed professionals of the future.
Our interns work alongside experienced practitioners to support survivors in securing life-saving protection through the courts. Interns provide practical, compassionate support at moments of crisis, helping survivors navigate processes that can feel frightening, complex, and unfair.
Why this programme matters
Many of the people supported through this programme:
- Cannot afford a solicitor
- Are not eligible for legal aid
- Are experiencing economic abuse
- Have no recourse to public funds
- Would otherwise face the legal system alone — or choose not to seek safety at all
The Sharon Bryan Internship Programme:
- Expands access to justice for victims at crisis point
- Builds skilled, trauma-informed professionals for the future
- Helps ensure protection is based on need, not means
This is not just an internship. It is a living legacy.
Our pro bono partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with leading law firms as part of our pro bono programme. Their expertise and commitment to social justice strengthens our ability to protect survivors, improve access to legal remedies, and champion stronger responses to domestic abuse.
Impact and survivor stories
Behind every protection order is a person reclaiming safety.
Get Involved
Our pro bono work depends on the dedication of practitioners, volunteers, interns, and partners who believe survivors deserve protection without barriers.
If you are interested in partnering with NCDV, supporting the Sharon Bryan Internship Programme, or contributing pro bono expertise, we would love to hear from you
Contact
- Telephone: 0800 970 2070
- Email: office@ncdv.org.uk
The Sharon Bryan Internship Programme – Standing with survivors, every step of the way.
