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For Immediate Release
October 1, 2015
Contact:
Karin Romans, Pro Bono Net
212-760-2554, ext. 496 | kromans@probono.net
Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month by connecting survivors and advocates with information
New York - OCTOBER 1ST, 2015 - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when awareness is brought to an issue that has a staggering impact on Americans. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men, experience physical violence by an intimate partner, and every year more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes. The month of awareness also serves to connect advocates working on the issue.
LawHelp (www.LawHelp.org) is a national network of nonprofit legal information websites dedicated to providing free online legal resources to individuals with limited means. It helps individuals find free legal aid in their communities, answer common legal questions and access self-help tools. Through LawHelp's resources, domestic violence survivors can identify abusive behavior, obtain orders of protection, protect their children and access assistance related to housing rights and public benefits. Additionally, many resources are available in languages other than English. Those working with domestic violence survivors are encouraged to visit LawHelp.org and use these resources to serve and support victims. LawHelp is a program of Pro Bono Net, a national nonprofit that leverages innovative technology and forges collaborations to increase access to justice.
"Survivors of domestic violence may not know where to turn for critically needed legal assistance and, often cannot afford to hire an attorney," said Liz Keith, Program Director at Pro Bono Net. "LawHelp can easily be accessed from anywhere, for example at a computer at a public library, to find referrals for free legal services, information about legal rights, and, often, free online forms and other tools for self-help."
Developed in 2001 by Pro Bono Net, LawHelp assists more than 8 million visitors per year. LawHelp was developed with support from the Legal Services Corporation.
Attorneys looking to get involved in the fight against domestic violence can visit the National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory (www.probono.net/dv), which offers a range of pro bono opportunities including filing an order of protection, doing research for advocacy, and providing legal help to immigrant survivors of domestic violence.
About Pro Bono Net
Pro Bono Net is a national non-profit organization, founded 15 years ago, dedicated to increasing access to justice for the disadvantaged. Through innovative technology solutions and expertise in building and mobilizing justice networks, Pro Bono Net transforms the way legal help reaches the underserved. Today, we work with a broad network of access-to-justice partners to close the justice gap. Our comprehensive programs, including www.probono.net, www.lawhelp.org and www.lawhelpinteractive.org, enable legal advocates to make a stronger impact, increase volunteer participation, and empower the public with resources and self-help tools to improve their lives. For more information, visit www.probono.net.