Domestic violence can have serious consequences for survivors. It is important for anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence to seek support. In this article, we will explore the legal and non-legal options available for survivors of domestic violence.
Legal Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Civil legal aid can be a helpful resource for survivors of domestic violence by providing free access to legal help. By seeking help, survivors can get the legal assistance they need to protect themselves and their families. Civil legal aid can provide the resources and support to navigate these complex legal issues. Here are some examples of how civil legal aid can help survivors of domestic violence.
- Protective Orders: A domestic violence protection order is a court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or harassing the survivor. This order can also require the abuser to leave the survivor’s home or provide financial support. Civil legal aid can help survivors obtain a protection order and provide ongoing support throughout the process. To learn more about protective orders, watch this presentation.
- Custody and Visitation: Domestic violence can impact custody and visitation arrangements. Civil legal aid can help survivors seek custody or modify existing arrangements to protect the safety and well-being of the children involved.
- Divorce and Property Division: Survivors of domestic violence may need to seek a divorce or legal separation to escape an abusive relationship. Civil legal aid can support survivors throughout the divorce process, including property division, spousal support, and child support.
- Immigration Issues: Domestic violence survivors who are not U.S. citizens may face additional legal challenges related to immigration status. Civil legal aid can help with immigration issues, including applying for a U Visa or obtaining Legal Permanent Residence.
If you live within Lone Star Legal Aid’s 76 county service area, our Crime Victims Unit and Individual Safety Unit may help. Apply for free legal services online at www.lonestarlegal.org/get-help or via phone at 1-800-733-8394.
Please note that we are prohibited from assisting with immigration issues. For immigration issues, you can contact the Catholic Charities in your area. For the Houston-Galveston area, see below:
Catholic Chartities of the Archdiosese of Houston-Galveston
2900 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77006
Phone: (713) 526-4611
To check which legal aid provider covers your area of the United States, use this search tool by Legal Services Corporation.
Non-Legal Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence also have various options that do not involve the legal system. Here are some non-legal actions that survivors can take:
- Seek support from family and friends: Survivors of domestic violence can reach out to trusted family members or friends for emotional support.
- Contact a domestic violence hotline: There are local and national hotlines that offer emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to local resources such as shelters, counseling, and legal assistance.
- Seek counseling: Counseling can help survivors of domestic violence process their experiences and emotions, heal from trauma, and develop coping strategies.
- Attend support groups: Survivors can attend support groups to connect with others who have experienced domestic violence, and receive support and encouragement from others who have gone through similar experiences.
- Create a safety plan: A safety plan can help survivors identify potential danger and develop strategies to stay safe. This can include memorizing important phone numbers, identifying safe places to go, and developing a code word to alert others if help is needed.
- Focus on self-care: Survivors can take care of their physical and emotional well-being by engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-care, such as meditation, exercise, and hobbies.
The Texas Crime Victim Legal Assistance Network (TCVLAN) exists to help survivors of crime throughout the state with legal and non-legal options. Lone Star Legal Aid is proud to be a TCVLAN service provider. The Network brings together a diverse range of service providers in Texas who can offer a broad spectrum of legal and non-legal support services essential to helping survivors recover. Visit www.texassurvivornetwork.org for more information.
It is important to note that while non-legal actions can be helpful, survivors of domestic violence may also benefit from seeking legal assistance and protection, depending on their individual circumstances.
Domestic Violence Stories of Justice
Lone Star Legal Aid’s attorneys help survivors of domestic violence navigate the justice system. Here are a few client success stories:
- Lone Star Legal Aid Protects Survivor of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault and Child Abuse – Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Mother Protect Three Children from Sexual Assault
- Lone Star Legal Aid Helps Survivor of Domestic Violence Get Lifetime Protective Order
- Violent Domestic Abuse – Woman Forced to Live in a Women’s Shelter Until Seeking Legal Aid
- Domestic Abuse and Stalking – The Advice
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
