Pro Bono News

Kennedy: Equal access to justice

Saturday, September 19, 2015

As a former domestic violence prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary courage it takes to stand up to your abuser and pursue protection under the law. But once the initial decision to seek a restraining order is made, many women (and men) run into a simple but crippling problem: they can’t afford a lawyer. As a result, they’re forced to face off against their perpetrator alone in court; berated, intimidated and taken advantage of in the very place that is supposed to offer them safe haven – our justice system.