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Victims of domestic violence often require legal assistance. Although some of Wisconsin's legal proceedings allow a victim to appear pro se (representing one's self, without the assistance of an attorney), victims are often in need of legal technical assistance or legal representation. The great demand for legal assistance cannot be met by existing pro bono (free legal representation) programs. Thus, victims need legal assistance or money for legal assistance.
Donate to WCADV's Legal Funds
Support our efforts to end domestic abuse. You can make a difference in the lives of battered women by helping them obtain direct legal representation. Legal representation is costly and necessary for victims of domestic violence. Abusers commonly use the legal system to further entrap victims. When surveyed, Wisconsin's local programs rank legal representation as the highest priority need for victims. In response, WCADV created the Legal Project Fund in 1994. This program makes funds available for victims who are not eligible for legal assistance through Legal Services Agencies. Victims obtain funds by having a local domestic violence or legal services program submit an application on their behalf. Funds are then awarded directly to private attorneys to represent victims in divorce, restraining order, immigration, custody or other legal proceedings. Most often these attorneys are also donating some of their time on such cases. Our annual allocation for this fund is generally exhausted by April. All donations to the WCADV Legal Fund are passed on to pay for legal representation for victims. Click here to donate to the Legal Funding Program.
Attorneys—Donate Your Time
As an attorney, you can have a huge impact on the lives of battered women and their children by volunteering your time and legal expertise in a number of ways. Legal protections are available to assist battered women. Domestic violence programs contact WCADV with requests for attorneys to provide pro bono assistance in circuit court and appellate court cases. If you are a licensed attorney in Wisconsin, donate research time to WCADV or volunteer to represent a victim of domestic violence on a pro bono basis. Or have your law firm provide assistance to WCADV on development of amicus briefs. If you are able to volunteer time, please contact the WCADV Staff Attorney, WCADV Immigration Attorney or contact your local domestic violence program and offer your assistance.
For more information on legal issues and domestic violence please visit the Resources & Publications Section, the Immigration Section, the Training and Meeting Calendar in the Events Section of this site or click here and select Legal Department from the drop-down list to send an e-mail message to the WCADV Staff Attorney.