From victims to survivors: promoting safety and economic independence through holistic legal services

The Department of Justice Offices Boards and Divisions Office on Violence Against Women awarded Manhattan Legal Services $600,000 under the Legal Assistance for Victims federal grant program (CFDA 16.524) to deliver holistic legal services that promote safety and economic independence for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The three-year project grant, awarded October 2, 2021, will support increasing access to comprehensive civil and criminal legal aid on matters relating to or arising from abuse. Manhattan Legal Services, a subsidiary of Legal Services NYC, will provide victims representation, counseling, and advocacy to help them transition from victims to survivors. The funding aligns with the grant program's goal of enhancing availability of legal services for victims in family, immigration, housing, and economic issues to help break the cycle of violence.