Program Summary

The Legal Center offers free legal advocacy and representation for both males and females dealing with relationship violence-related legal matters, including:

• Protection From Abuse (PFA)
• Child Custody and Child Support
• Legal Options Counseling
• Safety Planning
• Court Accompaniment

For free legal help from the Women Against Abuse Legal Center, call 215.686.7082.

Program Detail

Lack of understanding of the criminal and legal systems can become significant barriers to victims of domestic violence in establishing safety. Legal advocacy is often the deciding factor in whether a victim will successfully leave an abusive relationship.

In Philadelphia, 85% of individuals seeking civil protection from abuse (PFA) orders lack representation and must appear pro se despite their lack of familiarity with the judicial process. Consequently, the majority of pro se petitioners are unable to present the necessary evidence to establish eligibility for a PFA, even though the facts of their case entitle them to one. WAA’s Legal Center fills such information gaps by working with victims to navigate the complexities of the legal system in order to obtain life-saving protections under law.

Clients often face multiple challenges, including victimization from domestic violence and/or stalking, homelessness, poverty, and unemployment. The Legal Center provides more than 5,100 individuals each year with free attorney representation, court advocacy or telephone counseling in seeking protection from abuse orders, child custody and support.

The WAA Legal Center has demonstrated innovative practice by engaging in new initiatives, such as the Telephone Outreach Project.