No one should have to go to court without a lawyer, but the issues of being unrepresented for women fleeing abuse are significantly greater than for others.
Gender differences
Some lawyers and judges have noted that there is a significant gender difference in why parties are not represented in family court proceedings, with women more likely to be unrepresented because they do not have enough money to pay for a lawyer and men often choosing to be unrepresented because they want to confront their former partner directly.
Both lawyers and judges note further concerns about a lack of legal representation in cases involving violence. Lawyers observe that when a survivor does not have a lawyer, she may be coerced into accepting a settlement that does not adequately protect her or her children.
As one judge said, “There is always the fear that this category of self rep is not truly or accurately articulating their position because of fear or intimidation.”