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Legal Advocate Services

A legal advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking provides crucial support by guiding them through the legal system, helping obtain protective orders, and accompanying them to court. They ensure access to essential resources like safe housing and counseling, and work with law enforcement to ensure the survivors' safety and well-being.

What we can do.

A legal advocate provides essential services to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking, including:

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Help fill out legal forms such as divorce papers or restraining orders.

  • Filling Out Legal Documents:

    • Legal advocates assist survivors in completing various legal forms, including divorce papers, restraining orders, and custody agreements. They ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided and that the forms comply with legal standards.

  • Explanation of Legal Terms:

    • Advocates help survivors understand complex legal terminology and the implications of each document they are signing, ensuring they make informed decisions.

  • Filing and Follow-Up:

    • They guide survivors through the filing process, ensuring that all documents are submitted correctly and on time. They may also track the status of filings and follow up with the appropriate legal authorities.

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Accompany and support survivors during court proceedings and legal appointments.

  • Emotional and Practical Support:

    • Legal advocates accompany survivors to court hearings, providing emotional support during what can be a stressful and intimidating process. They help survivors feel more at ease and prepared for their court appearances.

  • Navigation of Legal Procedures:

    • Advocates explain court procedures, what to expect during hearings, and the roles of different courtroom personnel. They help survivors understand the steps involved and what their participation entails.

  • Liaison with Legal Professionals:

    • They act as intermediaries between survivors and their attorneys, ensuring clear communication and that the survivors' needs and concerns are addressed. Advocates may also coordinate with other legal professionals involved in the case.

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Provide information on legal rights and options, and connect survivors with additional resources and services.

  • Legal Rights and Options:

    • Legal advocates educate survivors about their legal rights, such as the right to seek protection orders, file criminal charges, or pursue civil remedies. They provide detailed information on each legal option available.

  • Access to Services:

    • Advocates connect survivors with vital resources such as counseling services, safe shelters, financial assistance programs, and medical care. They ensure that survivors have access to comprehensive support beyond legal assistance.

  • Referrals and Coordination:

    • They refer survivors to specialized services and coordinate with other agencies and organizations to create a holistic support network. This may include arranging for therapy, vocational training, or housing assistance.

* Legal advocates are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. They are able to offer explanations and support to survivors only.

Which restraining order fits my situation?

Disclaimer: Obtaining a restraining order, whether it's a Domestic Abuse Restraining Order (DARO), Harassment Restraining Order (HRO), Child Abuse Restraining Order (CARO), or Individual at Risk Restraining Order (IARRO), can vary in difficulty and requirements. Each type of order is intended to provide protection from specific types of harm or abuse, and the process for obtaining them may differ. Additionally, the legal criteria, evidence required, and procedures involved in obtaining each type of restraining order can vary significantly. It's essential to seek guidance from legal professionals or local authorities who can provide accurate information and assistance tailored to your specific situation. This disclaimer serves to highlight the complexity and differences in obtaining these orders and emphasizes the importance of seeking appropriate legal advice.

  • Domestic Abuse Restraining Order (DARO): This is for victims of domestic abuse by a current or former spouse, partner, or household member.

  • Harassment Restraining Order (HRO): This is for victims of harassment, including stalking, unwanted contact, or threats, from someone who is not a household member.

  • Child Abuse Restraining Order (CARO): This is for victims of child abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect, by a person who has a relationship with the child.

  • Individual at Risk Restraining Order (IARRO): This is for adults who are vulnerable due to age, disability, or other factors, and are at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Who is the individual seeking protection from?
A spouse, partner, or family member.
A stranger or acquaintance who is harassing or stalking you.
A caregiver or someone responsible for a child's well-being or who knows the child.
Someone who is taking care of or in contact with another who is vulnerable due to age, disability, or other factors.
N/A
What is the nature of the threat or abuse?
Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse by a partner or household member.
Repeated unwanted contact or stalking by someone not closely related to you.
Neglect or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of a child.
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an elderly or disabled individual.
N/A
What is your relationship to the abuser?
Spouse, partner, or household member.
Non-household member.
Person with a relationship to a child.
A caregiver or service provider.
N/A
What is the primary concern?
Immediate safety from a spouse, partner, or household member.
Stopping harassment or stalking behavior.
Protecting a child from further abuse.
Preventing further abuse or exploitation of an elderly/disabled person.
N/A
Has there been physical violence involved?
Yes, from a spouse, partner, or household member.
Yes, but from someone not closely related.
Yes, against a child.
Yes, against an elderly or disabled person.
N/A
Has there been physical violence involved?
No, the victim is an adult.
No, the person is an adult who is not related or living with the abuser.
Yes, the victim is a child under 18.
No, the victim is an elderly or disabled adult.
N/A
Is there a history of sexual abuse or assault?
Yes, by a spouse, partner, or household member.
Yes, by someone not closely related.
Yes, against a child.
Yes, against an elderly or disabled person.
N/A
Are you or the person at risk financially dependent on the abuser?
Yes, by a spouse, partner, or household member.
No, but experiencing harassment or stalking.
Yes, the child is dependent on the abuser.
Yes, the elderly/disabled person is dependent on the abuser.
N/A
Is there a risk of ongoing or future harm?
Yes, by a spouse, partner, or household member.
Yes, from someone not closely related.
Yes, to a child.
Yes, to an elderly or disabled person.
N/A
Has the abuser violated previous court orders or restraining orders?
Yes, a spouse, partner, or household member has done this.
Yes, someone not closely related.
Yes, a child’s guardian or caregiver.
Yes, a caregiver or service provider.
N/A
Is the primary concern emotional or psychological abuse?
Yes, from a spouse, partner, or household member.
Yes, from someone not closely related.
Yes, affecting a child.
Yes, affecting an elderly or disabled person.
N/A
Is there any immediate threat to personal safety?
Yes, from a spouse, partner, or household member.
Yes, from someone not closely related.
Yes, to a child.
Yes, to an elderly or disabled person.
N/A
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