Misc National Sites
 
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mark J. McGrath, Chief Development Officer
mmcgrath@probono.net 
 
 
 
LawHelp Offers Free Legal Tools & Resources to Connect Attorneys and Victims
 
Pro Bono Net Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month 
 
NEW YORK, NY (October 3, 2018) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month set aside to raise awareness about a serious issue facing millions of Americans nationwide. While the rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) has declined in recent years due to enormous efforts to raise awareness and provide resources for victims and survivors, the rate of IPV is still extremely high. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, IPV hotlines nationwide receive more than 20,000 every day. Nearly 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men, experience IPV in their lifetime. In addition to recognizing the severity of the issue, Domestic Violence Awareness Month also serves to connect advocates working on the issue throughout the country. 
 
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, with support from the Legal Services Corporation, LawHelp helps more than 8 million visitors a year find the legal assistance they need.
 
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.
 
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About Pro Bono Net
 
Pro Bono Net is a national non-profit organization 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. 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.
 

 

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