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 victims…

The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women awarded Manhattan Legal Services $750,000 under the Legal Assistance for Victims grant program (CFDA 16.524) on October 1, 2025, to provide civil and criminal legal assistance to victims ages 11 and older of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Upper Manhattan, New York City. Manhattan Legal Services will deliver legal assistance in family, consumer, and employment law matters relating to or arising from abuse or violence, as well as representation in criminal justice proceedings, protection order matters, immigration issues, housing disputes, and post-conviction relief cases. The organization will develop informational products including flyers and wallet-sized cards during the award period. This is a continuation award succeeding grant 15JOVW-21-GG-00386-LEGA. Performance runs through September 30, 2028, with work conducted at New York, NY 10027.

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 victims (ages 11 and older) of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking 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 includes assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in: a) family, tribal, territorial, immigration, employment, administrative agency, housing matters, campus administrative, or protection or stay away order proceedings, and other similar matters; B) criminal justice investigations, prosecutions, and post-trial matters (including sentencing, parole, and probation) that impact the victims safety and privacy; C) alternative dispute resolution, restorative practices, or other processes intended to promote victim safety, privacy, and autonomy; and D) post-conviction relief proceedings in state, local, tribal, or territorial court where the conviction of a victim is related to or arising from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or SEX trafficking. 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(24)(C). Through this continuation legal assistance for victims project, manhattan legal services will provide legal assistance in family, consumer, and employment law, to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault in upper manhattan in new york city. The following products will be developed during the project period: flyers and wallet sized cards. This award is a continuation of 15JOVW-21-GG-00386-lega.