BROCHURE: Legal Program

LEGAL SERVICES
In September 2005, the United States Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women awarded the Women's Center a grant to hire a part-time attorney to provide advice and representation for low-income survivors of  domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.  The attorney works with clients to address any issues that stem from the domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault they have               experienced.   We also employ a full-time Court Advocate to provide information and assistance to victims of domestic violence.  Clients not receiving legal services from the attorney are referred to the Court Advocate for ongoing court accompaniment, legal advocacy services and support, such as understanding, preparing and processing legal documents necessary to obtain temporary restraining orders and other protective and custody orders. 

Legal issues are among the most intimidating, complex, difficult, and expensive aspects of healing a client endures.  Through our legal services, we can mitigate the negative impact legal challenges have on survivors’ abilities to move beyond their past.  Our services offer closure to survivors, as clients might leave legal matters unresolved for years due to the factors mentioned above. 

FY 2006-07 Legal Services Provided
Orders of Protection:  47 clients
Dissolution:  55 clients
Custody / visitation:  88 clients
Establishment of paternity:  1 client
Child / spousal support:  27 clients
Other family law matters:  1 client
Consumer / finance:  2 clients
Employment:  2 clients
Income maintenance:  1 client
Housing:  4 clients
Immigration:  5 clients 

For more information, please stop by our business office, Monday-Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.