Service Shout Out: Flag DV

This Months Service Shout Out goes to Flag DV!

Domestic abuse is an issue that affects families across the UK, regardless of gender, age, race, or background. However, despite its impact, many individuals feel trapped, unsure of how to seek help or where to turn for support.

Flag DV is a charity that has been providing support to individuals of domestic abuse since it started in 2012. Created to fill the gap left by the reduction in legal aid services, the organisation offers free, confidential family law legal advice to those experiencing domestic abuse.

“Our mission is to empower and support those who have experienced domestic abuse by providing them with free, confidential family law legal advice. We strive to raise awareness of their legal rights and options. We endeavour to work in collaboration with other organisations and government agencies to ensure that domestic abuse victims have access to the resources and support they need to make informed choices about escaping abuse and rebuilding their lives.”

What Flag DV Does: Empowering Survivors with Legal Support

The core aim of Flag DV is to provide individuals experiencing domestic abuse with access to free legal advice and support. By offering legal guidance from volunteer solicitors, legal executives, and barristers who specialise in Family Law, the charity helps individuals to navigate the often complex and overwhelming legal system.

Those who have experienced domestic abuse often face many obstacles when considering leaving abuse. Flag DV’s legal team is there to offer clarity, support, and advice on how to safely take action, whether that involves divorce or separation, child custody arrangements, or understanding the intricacies of domestic abuse protection orders.

The charity operates across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Hampshire, supporting individuals over the age of 18, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion. Importantly, Flag DV ensures that its services are accessible to everyone, offering both telephone and face-to-face legal advice sessions depending on individual needs. What makes Flag DV stand out is that all their legal advice sessions are provided free of charge. Volunteer professionals offer their expertise to ensure survivors understand their rights, their options, and the steps they can take to regain safety and autonomy in their lives.

Family Court Support: Vital Assistance When Navigating the Legal System

One of the most unique and essential services that Flag DV offers is its Family Court Support programme. Currently available in Berkshire, this service provides ongoing, one-to-one assistance to individuals involved in legal proceedings related to domestic abuse.

“Our Family Court Support Worker plays an essential role in guiding individuals through the complexities of the family court system. They provide practical assistance by helping clients understand court procedures, explaining what to expect in the courtroom, facilitating requests for special measures, and clarifying the meaning and application of court documents.”

A Commitment to Making a Difference

Since its founding, Flag DV has been committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse. The charity’s impact is evident in the countless individuals it has helped over the years, offering a lifeline to those who may have otherwise been unable to navigate the legal complexities of escaping abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, Flag DV is here to help. Their free legal advice, court support, and collaborative approach make them a vital resource for anyone looking to break free from abuse.

For more information or to access support, visit Flag DV

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Founding Director, Michelle, has been awarded an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours for Family Support and Advocacy.

By PEGS Admin • June 15, 2026

Child to Parent Abuse organisation founder awarded MBE The founder of a social enterprise which has supported thousands of parents impacted by abusive behaviours from their children has been awarded an MBE. Michelle John, originally from Pembrokeshire in Wales but now based in Shropshire, was among the names announced for the prestigious accolade in the King’s Birthday Honours List this year. In 2020, Michelle set up not-for-profit organisation PEGS with the aim of supporting parents and carers, training professionals, influencing local and national policy, and raising awareness of Child to Parent Abuse – which is thought to affect up to one in ten households in the UK. Since then, she has grown a team of experts who have trained police, social workers, teachers and many other professionals to better recognise the signs of CPA, support parents, and signpost to specialist organisations. In addition, Michelle set up a range of parent-focused initiatives including daily practitioner-led online sessions, a Facebook peer support group which now has 3,300 members, and one-to-one offerings for those at highest risk. PEGS launched a CPA Covenant for employers in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, only the fourth such covenant to be backed by the Government, and Michelle has advised everyone from the Home Office to Channel 4 and the BBC on CPA – the latter for storyline on Hollyoaks and EastEnders. Her work has seen CPA covered by journalists across television news programmes, national newspapers and magazine, and regional press and radio, and she’s received numerous awards both in the UK and internationally. Michelle, whose MBE was awarded for Family Support and Advocacy, said: “This honour is also shared with the parents who have trusted me along the way: they drive me, inspire me and I will always stand with them. “I feel proud, privileged and very grateful – and I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me and PEGS along the way. There is much more to come for PEGS, and we will continue to work every day for the parents and carers who have been or continue to be impacted by CPA. “There is so much to reflect on from the journey of the last six years, and there have been many highlights and challenges along the way. I am sure there will be many more in the future – although being told I’d received an MBE will always remain a truly incredible moment that I’ll remember forever!” For more information about us, visit www.pegsupport.co.uk or search for 'PEGS' on social media!