Domestic Violence Law
Empowering survivors of intimate partner violence to achieve safety and stability.
Intimate partner violence is more than a “personal matter.” It’s an urgent societal issue that must be addressed. Often survivors feel trapped in an abusive relationship, unsure of the options available to help them and their children be safer. Our attorneys work with survivors, offering them client-centered, trauma-informed representation so that they can build stable, independent lives free from violence.
NYLAG’s attorneys and paralegals in the Domestic Violence Law Unit work with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking, within all communities, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
3,400
survivors of intimate partner violence worked with NYLAG on orders of protection, divorce, and custody issues last year
Services
Our attorneys will fight for survivors and their children. We offer the following legal services:
- Creating safety plans
- Obtaining and enforcing orders of protection
- Representing clients in contested and uncontested divorce proceedings
- Advocating for a fair and just division of assets and financial support
- Obtaining and enforcing orders for child and spousal support
- Securing or maintaining custody of the children
- Securing safe visitation
- Assisting in child protection cases to keep children safe
- Defending against abusive tactics, such as false arrests and false filings
- Working with immigrant survivors to secure legal status
- Representing survivors in appeals in Family and Supreme Court
- Advocating for survivors in the criminal and civil justice system
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Help us provide free legal help to survivors.
NYLAG protects and advances the rights of New Yorkers.
What HUD Data Vulnerability Means for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Discrimination
Late last month, news broke that the confidential personal data of hundreds of thousands of individuals who have reported housing discrimination—including those impacted by intimate partner violence—became vulnerable after an extra-agency body accessed a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) system.
Law 360: $25 Child Support Minimum A Symbol Of ‘Broken’ NY System
NYLAG Domestic Violence Law Unit Director Alet Haywood spoke with Law360 about the obstacles survivors face in child support cases.
Who Defines Survival
A reflection on Domestic Violence Awareness Month from NYLAG President & CEO, Lisa Rivera.
