Legal Services + Advocacy
Involvement with the legal system often follows a reported incident of domestic violence or sexual assault. Requesting a protective order is one way to take legal action, but we understand the court system can be difficult to navigate alone. The Center can help.
We Can:
- Accompany you to court.
- Provide information.
- Offer emotional support.
- Inform you of your rights.
- Connect you with resources.
We Cannot:
- Offer legal advice.
- Provide legal representation.
- File orders on your behalf.
- Mediate between disputing parties.
- Disclose information to anyone without your permission.
Legal Advocacy:
The Center’s legal advocates attend court hearings to offer survivors of domestic violence or sexual violence direct support. Court can often feel confusing, frustrating, and stressful. The role of our legal advocates is to help survivors understand the court process, safety plan, and alleviate stress. In addition to attending protection order hearings, we have advocates partnered with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit to help survivors navigate the criminal justice system. Throughout our service area, our advocacy efforts involve engaging courthouse staff, police departments, and other community partners.
To request an advocate to accompany you to a protective order hearing or discuss criminal court arising from domestic or sexual violence, call The Center’s 24/7 information line at 1-844- BE-SAFE1 (1-844-237-2331), 502-581-7222, or 812-944-6743.
