Legal

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  Legal Assistance Hotlines Coming of Age

  Survivors cite legal support as critical unmet need | The court system can be overwhelming in even the most simple of circumstances, let alone one involving sexual ... read more

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  Do Protective Orders Work in Rural Areas?

  Study examines effectiveness of protective orders in urban and rural settings | Domestic violence happens everywhere—in single-family homes and apartments, in the n... read more

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  Using GPS to Track Batterers

  At least 23 states are using GPS to keep track of high-risk domestic violence offenders | Diane Rosenfeld believes many domestic violence homicides are preventable.... read more

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  What to Do If an Abuser Violates a Personal Protection Order

  3 steps you need to take | Personal protection orders are important documents that can help protect you and your family. Unfortunately, they’re not always adhered t... read more

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  Why You Should Document Abuse

  Your records may be allowed as evidence in court | Keeping a diary of domestic violence incidents—both physical and non-physical—may seem like the last type of reco... read more

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  Many Survivors Fearful to File Restraining Orders

  Debate continues as to whether or not they’re too easy, or too difficult, to obtain | “It’s just a piece of paper.” Many survivors of domestic violence are still unde... read more

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  Is There Free Online Legal Advice for Survivors?

  Yes! Navigating the system is tricky, but many websites offer free, helpful advice | When a survivor of domestic violence is ready to leave her abuser, press charge... read more

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  Do I Need a Lawyer?

  The American Bar Association offers resources for domestic abuse survivors navigating the legal system | Survivors of domestic violence often wonder if they need a ... read more

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  Safety for Undocumented Victims of Abuse

  Fearing deportation, illegal immigrants often stay silent about domestic violence | Domestic violence is a crime no one is immune to. No matter a person’s class, stat... read more

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  Can He Rape Me if We're Married?

  Marital rape is a very real—and very illegal—offense | Make no mistake about it—marital rape is a serious form of violence and an often-present component of domestic ... read more

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  Steps to Safety After a PPO

  When it's time to escape, make sure to have a plan | About 20% of abuse victims file for a personal protection order, or PPO, according to the Centers for Disea... read more

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  How to Get a Personal Protection Order

  Don’t feel overwhelmed by the process—advocacy agencies can help | Protection orders, sometimes referred to as restraining orders and injunctions, are available to ... read more

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  Protect Yourself with a PPO

  The three types of personal protection orders you can obtain | Survivors have the right to protect themselves against their abusers, and the courts can help by issuin... read more