A mother lay asleep in bed when her husband, intoxicated and aggressive, came into the room. He grabbed his wife by her hair and began punching her in the back of the head. As he tried to leave in the car she asked him not to drive, fearing for his safety. In response, he shoved her to the ground, leaving bruises on both of her knees.

This was one of many terrifying instances of domestic violence going on in their home. Just four days earlier, the husband had hit her on the back of the head with a pan during a fit of anger, and the list of violent acts only grows longer over time. These repeated acts of violence deeply impacted our client and her children, who often witnessed their father physically abuse their mom.

One night during another violent attack, one of the kids bravely stepped in to protect their mom. Though they escaped that night, the abuse was only going to continue, and she knew she needed legal help to stay safe. That's when she called Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS).

FRLS, a non-profit law firm serving 13 Florida counties and farmworkers statewide, stepped in to represent her at the injunction hearing. At the hearing, FRLS attorneys negotiated a six-month injunction to provide immediate protection while she begins divorce proceedings.

Through our advocacy, we ensured our client regained access to the couple’s business and joint bank accounts so she could continue paying household bills and caring for her family. The injunction prohibits the husband from coming within five hundred feet of our client or the home, and limits communication to child-related matters—only at the client’s discretion.

Thanks to this outcome, our client and her children now have a safer environment, financial stability, and a pathway to rebuild their lives free from fear. Real stories like this remind us why legal aid matters.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call FRLS at 1-888-582-3410 to apply for free legal help.

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, 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.