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Better protection for victims at risk of violence as fee scrapped

Better protection for victims at risk of violence as fee scrapped
Better protection for victims at risk of violence as fee scrapped
Image Source: Ministry of Justice
From: Ministry of Justice and Sarah Sackman KC MP
Published: 27 October 2025Person at Risk of Violence (PARV) Order fees will be scrapped, saving victims hundreds of pounds. The changes will remove costs as a barrier to safety and protect survivors facing debt and financial hardship. This move is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to stand up for victims and halve violence against women and girls.

Government Confirms Fee Abolition for Victims’ Safety

Ministers have today confirmed plans to scrap the Person at Risk of Violence (PARV) Order fee. From November, vulnerable people involved in debt proceedings will no longer have to pay £318 to have their personal details – including name and address – removed from the Insolvency Register and the official public record, the Gazette.

For women fleeing domestic abuse, having the peace of mind that their abuser can’t search public records to find their new address is invaluable – yet the steep cost is a barrier to many. Today’s announcement will mean this cost will no longer be an obstacle to their safety.

The abolition of this unnecessary fee is the latest measure in the Government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade – and a key part of the Plan for Change to protect victims and restore faith in the justice system.

Minister Sarah Sackman KC Speaks on the Change

Sarah Sackman KC, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, said:

“Women who experience domestic abuse can spend their lives on the run. They deserve protection. The publication of victims’ personal details on the Insolvency Register must not be another tool perpetrators can use to torment their victims.

This simple change can be the difference between a life of peace and one of fear. I hope that abolishing this fee gives some degree of relief to the people who need it.

As part of our Plan for Change, we are determined to protect more victims from abuse and halve Violence Against Women and Girls in the next decade.”

Part of a Wider Plan to Halve Violence Against Women and Girls

The move builds on the actions the government has already taken to meet its commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade.

  • National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection
  • Raneem’s Law – embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms
  • Rollout of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders – the strongest order yet to protect victims

Voices from Advocacy Organisations

Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse

“We welcome the government’s decision to abolish the fee for Persons at Risk of Violence Orders when applying for insolvency solutions.

Until now, survivors have been forced to pay extra just to stay safe and avoid having their names and addresses published on a public insolvency database. This blocked many from accessing vital insolvency options because the perpetrator’s economic abuse left them unable to afford the fee. Removing this cost is an important step towards ensuring survivors can seek protection without taking on yet more financial burden when trying to resolve coerced debts.”

“We commend Money Wellness for their work in securing this vital change but it does not stop here. SEA will continue to advocate for systemic changes that tackle economic abuse at the root and ensure victim-survivors are better protected.”

Adam Rolfe, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Money Wellness

“We are delighted the government has listened to our campaign and taken this important step to protect survivors of abuse. Scrapping the PARV order fee removes a huge financial barrier for people already facing unimaginable hardship. It means survivors can focus on rebuilding their finances and moving forward without the fear that seeking debt help could put them at risk.”

“We now hope to build on this progress to make sure the entire insolvency system truly supports people to recover from an abusive relationship safely and with dignity.”

Further Information on PARV Orders

When someone applies for an insolvency debt solution, such as bankruptcy, a debt relief order, or an individual voluntary arrangement, their name and address are published on the Insolvency Register as a statutory requirement.

A PARV Order is the only legal route to prevent personal details from being published. Individuals must demonstrate that disclosure of their address would reasonably expect to lead to violence. Currently, applicants must complete an application form, provide a witness statement, attend court, and pay the applicable court fee. They do not have to prove that they have experienced violence, only that they reasonably believe they may.

Additional Government Actions to Combat VAWG

  • Nearly £20 million in funding for specialist VAWG services, including vital helplines.
  • New criminal offence for spiking and training for hospitality staff to support victims.
  • New measures to tackle stalking, including guidance on victims’ rights and expanded use of Stalking Protection Orders.
  • Rollout of The Drive Project across England and Wales, backed by £53 million, to target high-risk perpetrators.
  • Criminalising pornography that depicts acts of strangulation through the Crime and Policing Bill.

Source

Source: Ministry of Justice and Sarah Sackman KC MP
Published: 27 October 2025

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