Survivors who live with abuse must deal with many systems and can struggle to get the help they need. A Legal Support for Domestic Assault Cases can help them navigate the civil and criminal justice system, ensuring that they have the information and support they need to make safe decisions for themselves and their children. Advocates can help with safety planning, access to emergency housing and health care, counseling, referrals for shelter, jobs and child care and assistance with transportation to court or the hospital for a forensic rape exam. They also have experience working within the various systems, and understand how to work with law enforcement, family court and legal aid.

Legal Support for Domestic Assault Cases: How a Lawyer Can Help

The legal remedies available for survivors of domestic violence are broad and extensive. Survivors may seek civil protection from abuse (PFA) orders, divorces, and allocation of parental responsibilities and support in Family Court; or criminal prosecution and conviction of their abuser in state, county, local, or tribal court for crimes such as harassment, assault, sexual assault, and burglary. The criminal courts have specialized Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Courts, with judges and prosecutors who are trained in dealing with the unique issues that domestic violence victims face.

AVDA’s Expanded Legal Services Program provides civil legal aid to victims who earn too much to qualify for traditional legal aid but still have income that prevents them from affording a quality, trauma-informed lawyer. This type of legal help reduces repeat incidents of abuse, saving public money on expensive medical care, special education and counseling for children, and police resources.