During the 2019 National Celebration of Pro Bono, the ABA encouraged organizations to provide pro bono services to survivors of domestic violence. 

The repercussions of domestic, sexual, and stalking violence are numerous and heartbreaking. Survivors need assistance in matters such as protective orders, custody, and child support, just to name a few. A lawyer’s assistance is critical to help survivors heal, regain stability, and move forward with their lives. Research shows that the availability of civil legal services in a community greatly reduces the likelihood of domestic violence. Because the supply of attorneys available to assist in domestic violence matters is well below the demand, pro bono assistance is critical. 
October is also domestic violence awareness month. We are asking you to do your part to assist survivors of domestic violence by providing pro bono assistance, recognizing attorneys who do the important pro bono work of assisting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, or by providing education and training on the need for pro bono assistance in this area.

Examples of Past Events for Domestic Violence

 

Assisting Domestic Violence Survivors:  Upper Marlboro, MD. Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland, Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County, Inc., Prince George’s County Council Domestic Violence Grant Maryland Safe Center for Human Trafficking

Join the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland in a training about assisting domestic violence survivors with a trauma informed approach. In exchange for this FREE training, attendees must take TWO domestic violence cases, OR TWO shielding cases, OR one of each, from Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County within ONE year of training. Case support, access to a mentor, and malpractice insurance provided.

Protection Orders Clinic:  Reno, NV. Washoe Legal Services

Legal advice on protection orders.

Sixth Judicial Circuit CLE “What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Domestic Violence”: Decatur, IL. Decatur Bar Association , Land of Lincoln -Legal Assistance Foundation , Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee

From criminal law to family law, civil matters to estate planning, domestic violence can arise in a variety of cases and presents unique legal and practical challenges to practitioners. Learn to identify signs of domestic violence and gain skills in order to empathetically and effectively represent clients who are survivors of domestic violence.

Days of Justice | Domestic Violence Clinic:  Jackson, MS. Mississippi Mission First Legal Aid Office

Awards presentation

Resources for Domestic Violence

ABA Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence:

Focuses on policy initiatives and training for lawyers who assist victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Project:

Information and resources on Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Includes an event listing of events happening around the country.