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Our clients
Read their stories here.

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Voices Against Violence 2016

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Effective legal representation is the single most effective factor in whether are able to escape the domestic violence cycle.
Vice President Joseph Biden (shown with DCVLP Advisory Board Member Kathleen Biden)

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Fighting for survivors and
at-risk children in court
Read about our work here.

Fighting for Domestic Violence Victims & At-Risk Children

The DC Volunteer Lawyers Project provides pro bono legal assistance to hundreds of domestic violence victims and at-risk children each year.

In 2016, our dedicated volunteer and staff attorneys handled nearly 400 civil protection order and family law cases on behalf of victims, and served as court-appointed advocates for 104 vulnerable children living with abuse, neglect and other difficult circumstances.

And, we had 350 visits to our weekly Domestic Violence Resource Clinic where victims accessed legal, housing and counseling services in one, convenient location. Our clients are also supported by our Case Manager to ensure the best long-term outcomes for each victim and child.

Volunteer Trainings

Live Trainings
For full details, please click here.

  • Lunch & Learn: Using Digital Evidence – 9/6
  • Volunteer Lawyer Information Session – 9/14
  • Litigating Protection Order Cases for Domestic Violence Victims Training – 9/28
  • Representing At-Risk Children Training – 10/5
  • Litigating Family Law Cases for Domestic Violence Victims Training – 10/19

Online Trainings
For access, please email Emilia Plater-Zyberk.

In the News

Our Clients: Jenna’s Story

The pit-bull was salivating on Jenna’s neck, waiting for the order to bite her. Her husband was barely holding back the dog on its leash to make sure Jenna knew who was in charge. Jenna endured this abuse and worse during her 7-year marriage. Read more.

DC Volunteer Lawyers Project

Domestic Violence Resource Clinic Flyer

“Working with DCVLP is amazing. It’s meaningful work, it’s an excellent learning environment, I’ve built an incredible professional network of people I respect in the utmost. The attorneys employed by DCVLP are excellent mentors.”

– A DCVLP volunteer attorney

“Thank you for your support, knowledge and help. People come and go. That is life, but you will stay in my memory and heart forever.”

– A DCVLP client and survivor of domestic violence

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