Mary Weingarten Domestic Violence Law Project (DVLP)

Our Attorneys Provide Free and Confidential Legal Representation and Advocacy Services

Individuals remain vulnerable to the cycle of abuse and re-victimization when the fear of being injured or killed, losing custody of their children or being deported are used as weapons to make them stay. Legal interventions are an important tool survivors can access to safely disengage from abuse and move forward in their lives.

As part of its mission to provide holistic services to help stabilize the lives of survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and other crimes, Center for Safety & Change provides free consultation and direct legal representation to its clients.

DVLP is staffed by five attorneys, two paralegals and five legal advocates who are client-centered and believe in serving clients through empowerment and that honors their stories and goals. DVLP provides free and confidential legal consultations, guidance and direct representation for victims of domestic violence and abuse in a variety of practice areas. For clients not represented by DVLP attorneys, our legal advocates accompany them to court, provide information on the process and liaise with their attorneys.

The Legal and Advocacy Services Provided by DVLP Include:

Family and Matrimonial Services

Orders of Protection

Draft and file family offense petitions enabling clients to obtain immediate temporary orders of protection. We also provide direct representation in family offense cases, including preparation for and representation at court conferences, evidentiary hearings and trials.

Custody

Draft and file custody petitions and provide direct representation in custody cases including preparation for and representation at court conferences, evidentiary hearings and trials.

Divorce

Draft and file divorce petitions and provide direct representation in matrimonial cases including discovery, preparation for and representation at court conferences, evidentiary hearings and trials.

Guardianship

Draft and file guardianship petitions and motions for special findings and provide direct representation in court.

Child Support

Consult and provide limited representation in complicated cases.

Legal Advocacy

Provide advocates to accompany clients to court, help understand the process, give emotional support, liaise with attorneys and assist with orders and other legal documents.

Immigration Services

DVLP represents survivors applying for lawful immigration status before United States Immigration and Citizenship Services on humanitarian grounds, including but not limited to:

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)

U Visa (Crime Victim Visa)

T Visa (Trafficking Visa)

Asylum and Withholding of Removal

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) renewals

Convention Against Torture

Adjustment of Status (green card)

DVLP represents survivors in immigration court who are defending themselves against deportation and pursuing family unity on constitutional/procedural or humanitarian grounds.

Human Trafficking Services

Victim / Witness Advocacy

Advocate for clients throughout course of law enforcement investigations and prosecutions

Support clients with law enforcement interviews and during testimony preparation sessions

Accompany clients to court

Wage Theft and Other Remedies

Represent labor trafficked and exploited individuals before Department of Labor in claims to seek unpaid wages

Connect clients to partners from private bar to represent them in civil damages cases in state and federal court proceedings when applicable

Immigration Relief

Represent undocumented trafficking survivors in obtaining humanitarian-based immigration status

Education, Advocacy and Capacity Building

Community Education

Provide Know Your Rights and substantive legal training to community-based organizations, faith communities, schools and directly impacted groups

CLE Trainings / Capacity Building

Provide continuing legal education training to lawyers and judges

Policy and Legislative Advocacy

Cultivate Pro Bono Partnerships and Volunteer Base

OVS Partnership with Legal Services of Hudson Valley (LSHV)

If legal screening identifies legal issues outside of DVLP’s practice areas, we schedule clients for appointments with LSHV. LSHV conducts intake onsite at DVLP and provides consultation and representation in the following areas:

Landlord / Tenant

Consumer Issues

Public Benefits

Name Change

Education

If you are the victim of domestic violence, abuse or human trafficking and live in Rockland County, contact us to learn how our attorneys can help you separate yourself from your abuser and move forward.

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