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

The Texas Advocacy Project has been awarded a $750,000 Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women. The LAV Grant Program (CFDA 16.524) provides funding to increase the availability of comprehensive civil and criminal legal services for adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through this grant, the Texas Advocacy Project will deliver direct legal representation, advice, counsel, and guidance on self-representation to survivors across Texas. The legal services will cover matters related to protection orders, family law, housing, employment, education, and more. At least 50% of the grant funds will support survivors of intimate and non-intimate partner sexual assault.

The legal assistance for victims (LAV) grant program, authorized by 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 new legal assistance for victims project, texas advocacy project will provide legal assistance and representation to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking across texas. Legal services will include advice and counsel, guidance on self-representation, and direct representation in protection orders, family law, housing, employment, and education matters. At least fifty percent of award funds will be used to support survivors of intimate and non-intimate partner sexual assault.