According to SafeSpace, over 12 million people in the United States are affected by intimate partner violence every year. Our client, who had been married to her partner for over 20 years, unfortunately found herself one of those 12 million people in a recent case of domestic violence against her. Her partner was arrested by police and she fled to a friend's house for fear of him knowing where she was staying.
To break the cycle of violence, our client reached out to Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) for help with filing for divorce and establishing custody of their children. FRLS is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
With funding from the Victim of a Crime Act (VOCA) project, our attorneys took action by helping her set up a court hearing for an injunction against her spouse. An injunction is an court order of protection that keeps a person from contacting you or coming in physical proximity to protect a person from harm.
FRLS was able to secured a protective order, fought for her rights in court for more than a year, and won a settlement granting majority timesharing and substantial child support from her ex-husband.
If you or someone you know needs help, visit FRLS.org or call 1-888-582-3410 to find free, confidential legal assistance.
About Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS):
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has pursued justice by providing legal services in
housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, tax advocacy, and more, all at no cost to our clients. FRLS collaborates with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to deliver quality advocacy, outreach, and education designed to protect the rights of those in need. For over 50 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.