Program areas at DC Volunteer Lawyers Project
Domestic violence program:legal assistance: dcvlp Volunteer and staff Lawyers represent low-income domestic violence survivors in protection order and family law cases and advocate for victim rights in criminal proceedings against abusers. Walk-in legal clinics: dcvlp Lawyers provide legal assistance at community-based clinics and at a court-based clinic. Support services: our advocates provide safety planning, trauma-informed crisis intervention, ongoing emotional support, and access to critical social services. Legal help line: our advocates respond to hundreds of callers' requests for information on victim rights, legal services, and provide referrals to partner organizations.
Immigration program:dcvlp Volunteer and staff Lawyers assist low-income immigrant survivors of domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence and vulnerable children with vawa self-petitions, battered spouse waivers, u and t visas, affirmative and defensive asylum claims, special immigrant juvenile status, tps, daca, work authorizations and other forms of immigration relief. The goal is to help immigrant victims, a majority of whom are not permitted to legally work in the u.s., in achieving safety, stability, and self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive and trauma-informed legal and support services.
Child advocacy program:our court-appointed Volunteer and staff attorneys advocate for children growing up in homes with abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse and other dangerous circumstances and connect the children and their families with crucial social services. In over 95% of the cases, judges accept our attorneys' recommendations.
Maryland domestic violence program:legal assistance: dcvlp Lawyers provide comprehensive trauma-informed legal, advocacy, and support services to approximately 220 low-income victims of domestic violence in montgomery county, Maryland. With an extensive network of access points, collaborations with cross-referral partners, and targeted outreach, we reach the most underserved victims in montgomery county, Maryland.