2020 Impact Report

Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault face numerous barriers in accessing justice. Unlike the criminal system where a prosecutor files cases and a detective investigates a crime, survivors in civil court hold the burden to present their case for protection. And in civil court, survivors have no right to an attorney. The entire burden of getting free from abuse is on the survivor- they have to file the police report, they have to file the Restraining Order, and they have to file the immigration petition.

On top of navigating a confusing legal process, low- income survivors often face homelessness when leaving an abusive home. Many struggle with mental health issues from the trauma they experienced and survivors are often left without resources or sources of support. Moreover, immigrant survivors fear getting deported or separated from their children.

The discussion around domestic violence and sexual assault is often around “why didn’t they leave?” or “why didn’t they report?” Facing these challenges alone can feel insurmountable. But survivors are strong, and with the right support, they can create a new, violence-free future for them and their kids.

Working alongside survivors to attain justice is critical to their empowerment and success. Our team is there to stand by survivors, assisting them through every step of the journey. By providing representation in domestic violence proceedings in family court, with the immigration system, or in the criminal system as advocates, we ensure survivors don’t have to take it on alone.

This is different than other models that triage services, focus on a clinic model, or have survivors use self-help methods. Holistic services means looking at where the client is at in their life, what all the barriers they have, and understanding the system they are facing. Survivors are the experts of their lives and their goals, and we as their legal team do all we can to ensure justice is achieved.

When we first meet with a survivor, our team spends hours with them getting to know their unique situation and developing a plan of action. Community care advocates first conduct a holistic client background screening. We know clients present with multiple issues, not just a legal need and if they are experiencing homelessness for example, they cannot be present to fully litigate their restraining order case. Providing wraparound supportive services also helps us address survivors’ non-legal needs, such as safety planning, signing up for government benefits, and providing referrals for other community resources. Attorneys conduct a holistic legal screening and meet with supervisors to determine what level of service can be provided. Finally, legal advocates work with the survivor to prepare documents for court.

We know that empowering clients and providing holistic support is the best way for our work to have long-term impact. Last year, more than 80% of the survivors we served reported less fear, more confidence, more hope, and better relationships with their children. LACLJ’s services are more than just a restraining order granted or visa application approved.

However, government funding is often limiting. A grant may fund one specific outcome, or only one portion of a case. The true cost of walking alongside a survivor on their journey to safety is so much more. Real change in people’s lives is complex and happens through the support of our entire legal team. That’s where our donors have the greatest impact, where their gifts meet our mission.

For nearly 20 years, I’ve dedicated my entire career serving and representing survivors, and I know we are making a difference in the lives of those in need. Survivors are facing so many challenges, but justice and safety are possible. Real change is possible.