Legal Center

Program Summary

The Legal Center offers free legal advocacy and representation for survivors of all gender identities 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.


Client Feedback

“I cannot express how truly grateful I am for the services I received from WAA.”

“Every staff member that I spoke to and met with were very patient and informative.”

“The staff at the facility made me feel safe and welcomed.”

These comments were provided by clients in anonymous satisfaction surveys.

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. Women Against Abuse’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 6,000 individuals each year with free attorney representation, court advocacy or telephone counseling in seeking protection from abuse orders, child custody and support.

Attorney representation: Women Against Abuse provides free attorney representation to individuals seeking protection from abuse or child custody and support.

Court advocacy: Women Against Abuse court advocates provide direct legal assistance and safety planning to victims of domestic violence in court who may be unfamiliar with the Women Against Abuse Legal Center. Advocates help clients navigate the legal process, which can be cumbersome, abstruse and re-traumatizing for victims. Women Against Abuse court advocates are stationed in Philadelphia Family Court, where protection from abuse cases are heard, and in Philadelphia’s two criminal courtrooms dedicated to domestic violence cases.

Special initiatives: The Legal Center provides two special initiatives—the Telephone Outreach Program and the Fast-Track Attorney Program—to open access to legal interventions like never before for high-risk populations experiencing domestic violence.

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Chanda's Story

Chanda is a survivor and advocate for Women Against Abuse. She first shared her story at the 2017 iPledge Campaign press conference.

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Candace's Story

When people consider domestic violence (DV), they often think of the adult victim/survivor. But what about the children who have seen or experienced the abuse; the boys, girls and young adults who have been afraid in their own home? Candace, who worked as a therapist at Women Against Abuse, witnessed her mother being abused for many years, is choosing to share her story to shine a light on this little told aspect of DV. These are her words.

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Catherine’s Story

When I first met my abuser, I was just 14 years old and he was 20. I thought I was in love, so I ignored the disapproval of my mom and sister.

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Sara

Sara’s Story

Meet Sara, a survivor of domestic violence, who overcame an abusive relationship and navigated a new country, all while parenting two children.

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Georgina-ohara

Georgina O’Hara’s Story

Pro bono representation provided by local law firms makes a meaningful difference for the thousands of clients seeking help at our Legal Center.

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Natalie's New Beginning

Entering the Women Against Abuse safe haven – really leaving for good – was the culmination of 10 years of relationship abuse; more arguments, threats and sleepless nights than Natalie* could count. They had children together, shared a life together, depended on each other financially. It wasn’t easy to break things off.

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Overbrook Presbyterian’s Story

The Women’s Dining Circle of Overbrook Presbyterian Church knows how to make fundraising down right fun. In January, the Dining Circle hosted a dinner that raised over $1,200 for Women Against Abuse.

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Renee-norris-jones

Renee’s Story

Renee Norris Jones experienced 7 years of domestic violence at a time when few resources existed to help victims escape abuse.

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Doreen Davis’ Story

Doreen Davis is a longtime supporter of Women Against Abuse who has used her expertise in traditional labor law to assist WAA for over two decades.

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Beth Huffman's Story

When a survivor's child was in trouble, Beth Huffman helped organize a press conference to get the story out on behalf of Women Against Abuse's Legal Center.

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If you or someone you know needs help, call our toll-free 24-hour Hotline:

1.866.723.3014

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