Court and Legal Advocacy
Combining advocacy, assistance, counseling and home visits, our legal services provide victims of domestic violence with information, support and an understanding of their legal rights. DVCC Domestic Violence Victim Advocates in the Stamford and Norwalk criminal courts help individuals navigate the criminal justice system and provide ongoing information and service remedies. A Civil Legal Attorney in Stamford Civil Court helps victims of domestic abuse obtain restraining orders and provides information on divorce, custody, property and other family law matters. A Domestic Violence Victim Advocate partners with the Stamford Police Department’s Special Victims Unit on home visits to provide crisis counseling, safety planning, information and referrals for victims.
DVCC also offers monthly Civil Legal Clinics, where attorneys provide advice and guidance to DVCC clients on matters such as divorce, child support, custody and visitation, housing, immigration, paternity and wills. The clinics are free of charge, thanks to local attorneys who volunteer their time.
Court and legal services include:
- Assistance with understanding legal proceedings
- Assistance with understanding/obtaining protective orders
- Assistance with understanding/obtaining restraining orders
- Information on divorce, custody, property and other family law matters
- DVCC Civil Legal Clinics provide attorneys who assist our clients with civil matters such as divorce, custody, support and other family law matters
- Referral to Connecticut Legal Services for attorney representation in civil matters such as divorce, support, custody, welfare, child-related issues, immigration and bankruptcy
- Home visits coordinated with the Stamford Police Department’s Special Victims Unit to provide crisis counseling, safety planning, information and referrals
- Referral to DVCC supportive counseling services
- Referral to DVCC SafeHouses
DVCC legal advocates and attorneys on staff also take a proactive role in assessing current domestic violence laws and recommending changes in those laws that would better serve victims. They meet one-on-one with local legislators to ensure open, ongoing dialogue and have provided written and oral testimony to Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan’s Task Force on Domestic Violence regarding recommended changes in domestic violence legislation.
Links:
- Victim’s Guide to Criminal Court
- Constitutional Rights of Crime Victims
- Victim Compensation
- Statewide Notification System
- Victim’s Guide to Civil Proceedings