Legal Help Coming to Domestic Violence Victims

"PENN YAN — Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes will be getting more than $100,000 to provide legal services to crime victims, especially victims of domestic violence.

The Penn Yan-based agency, which serves Ontario, Seneca and Yates counties, will be getting a $104,572 grant through the state Office of Victim Services. State officials announced several area grants in October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Marisa Rubé, Safe Harbors’ executive director, said the grant will fund a three-year contract with Geneva-based Legal Assistance of Western New York. A full-time attorney and part-time paralegal will handle the civil court needs of Safe Harbors clients, which could include matrimonial, custody, immigration and financial issues.

“Crime victims, especially domestic violence victims, have a myriad of legal needs that need to be addressed,” Rubé said. “Lack of affordable legal counsel in our area is a huge roadblock for victims, who often end up appearing in court with no representation if they do not qualify for assigned counsel.

“We are excited to be partnering with LawNY on this project, as their attorneys are incredibly knowledgeable about these types of cases.”

Six victim assistance programs in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region are getting $1.7 million in federally funded grants through the state Office of Victim Services..."

Continue reading