Assistance for Survivors

The Ohio Domestic Violence Network has provided a legal assistance program since 2010 to provide legal services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who cannot be assisted through traditional legal aid programs. Using a panel of vetted attorneys from around Ohio working on a reduced fee basis, ODVN assists eligible survivors whose income is at or below 225% of the federal poverty level. Attorneys help with a wide range of legal needs including divorce, parenting time, protection orders, immigration, housing, employment, and other issues. Survivors are screened and referred in by trained advocates at a range of programs including domestic violence shelters and programs, anti-poverty organizations, rape crisis centers, and culturally specific programs around Ohio. ODVN also conducts outreach to serve marginalized survivors who are incarcerated, returning from prison, homeless and runaway youth, and low-income women of color. Our legal program is funded by a variety of private and public sources. ODVN’s legal program also assists incarcerated battered women through a variety of strategies including clemency, parole education, and Self Help Legal Manuals for women in prison. These efforts have been generously funded by the Ohio State Bar Foundation.

ODVN’s legal program also convenes a legal advocacy caucus for legal advocates and develops and provides materials and training on an ongoing basis to support the work of legal advocates. We also provide continuing legal education events for attorneys in Ohio.

To seek legal assistance, please contact your local domestic violence program or rape crisis center. 

Legal Caucus Meetings 2024

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