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
Need free legal services or financial counseling?
Help us provide free legal help to survivors.
NYLAG protects and advances the rights of New Yorkers.
Commentary: Housing Security Is Survivor Safety. New York Must Deliver
As the Emergency Housing Voucher Program (EHV) runs out of funding, New York City’s housing agencies must step up to ensure survivors’ safety.
Gothamist: A new NYC program offers free divorce lawyers to domestic violence victims
Under a new $2M program, hundreds of income-eligible survivors of domestic violence will get free legal assistance for divorce proceedings through NYLAG and other groups.
NPR|WAMC’s “51%” podcast: Shani Adess on domestic violence law
NYLAG Vice President Shani Adess joined 51% host Jesse King to discuss domestic violence law and what survivor-centered and trauma informed advocacy looks like in navigating New York’s legal system.