New Yorkers trapped in abusive marriages because they cannot afford to get divorced may get relief under a new city council program providing free legal assistance to domestic violence survivors.

Under the $2 million program, hundreds of people who can show that they have experienced domestic violence and are income-eligible will get free legal assistance for divorce proceedings through the Legal Aid Society, New York Legal Assistance Group and Sanctuary for Families. Lawmakers say the program, which would begin next year, could provide an essential escape hatch for many people who can’t afford the expense of divorcing abusive partners.

In many states, divorces are processed through family courts. But in New York, they instead go through the Supreme Court, a venue that requires a longe

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