The legal assistance for victims (LAV) grant program, authorized by 34 U.S.C. 20121, is intended to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and…

The Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women awarded Sanctuary For Families Inc. a $750,000 Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program (CFDA 16.524) to provide comprehensive civil and criminal legal services to adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in New York City and the surrounding region. Through this 3-year grant, Sanctuary For Families will offer direct legal representation, advocacy, and assistance in matters such as civil protection orders, child custody and support, matrimonial proceedings, and criminal justice matters. A minimum of 50% of grant funds will support legal services for victims of sexual assault. The organization will also train and mentor pro bono attorneys to provide appropriate legal representation for victims. This award builds upon Sanctuary For Families' history of delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to diverse populations impacted by gender-based violence.

The legal assistance for victims (LAV) grant program, authorized by 34 U.S.C. 20121, is intended to increase the availability of civil and criminal legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth (ages 11 to 24) victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault by providing funds for comprehensive direct legal services to victims in legal matters relating to or arising out of that abuse or violence. Legal assistance is assistance in: a) divorce, parental rights, child support, tribal, territorial, immigration, employment, administrative agency, housing, campus, education, healthcare, privacy, contract, consumer, civil rights, protection or other injunctive proceedings, related enforcement proceedings, and other similar matters; B) criminal justice investigations, prosecutions, and post-conviction matters (including sentencing, parole, and probation) that impact the victims safety, privacy, or other interests as a victim; C) alternative dispute resolution, restorative practices, or other processes intended to promote victim safety, privacy, and autonomy, and offender accountability, regardless of court involvement; or D) post-conviction relief proceedings in state, local, tribal, or territorial court with respect to a conviction of a victim relating to or arising from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or SEX trafficking victimization of the victim. Through this continuation legal assistance for victims project, sanctuary for families, incorporated will provide civil legal services to victims in the areas of civil orders of protection, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, matrimonial proceedings and abuse/neglect cases, cyber matters, and title IX in new york city and the surrounding metropolitan region. The project will also train, supervise, and mentor pro bono attorneys to provide appropriate legal representation. A minimum of 50 percent of project funds will be used to support legal services for victims of sexual assault.