SAFETY ALERT: People can easily monitor how other people use their computers. If you are afraid others are checking your Internet or computer usage, please use another computer, call your local domestic violence hotline, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Millions of people are harmed in some way each year because of domestic violence. Domestic violence cuts across lines of race, nationality, language, culture, economics, sexual orientation, physical ability, and religion to affect people from all walks of life.
LAWO’s domestic violence work helps individuals who are trying to escape an abusive relationship. Typically, these are cases with a long history of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse, involving difficult issues of child custody and visitation.
"I remember how scared I was. I would say to my attorney, when he gets the papers, I don't know what I'm going to do. What if he gets mad? What if... what if he blows?"
Stacy and her infant son were in a volatile situation. This young mother was dealing with an unstable marriage and mounting bills. Feeling isolated, Stacy turned to a family member who directed her to Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO). There she found several allies. Legal aid attorneys provided the free legal assistance Stacy needed to file for bankruptcy, divorce her abusive husband, and gain custody of her child.
"When I went to see these attorneys, I had been going through it alone and hoping somebody would hold my hand. They did, and I'm fine. I'm better for it. I'm a better mother, and I'm a better person for what I've done."
Family Justice Center of Northwest Ohio
Partner agencies have worked with LAWO to establish the Family Justice Center of Northwest Ohio (FJCNWO) within a six-county service area of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Putnam, Van Wert, and Williams counties. The Family Justice Center provides comprehensive and coordinated services to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.
Visit the FJCNWO Web site for their contact information and to download their brochure: www.fjcnwo.org
Ohio law defines domestic violence as:
Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, including sexual assault, stalking, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members.
Once you are out of immediate danger, your legal aid attorney will assist with the necessary next steps to keep you and your family from harm. LAWO attorneys and advocates work with local agencies and community organizations on domestic violence task forces that serve to educate, protect and represent domestic violence victims. Our domestic violence work places emphasis on the enforcement of law to protect victims and demonstrates that violent behavior in the home will not be tolerated.
There are a number of ways that you can get the legal help and support you need to end domestic violence in your life. If you or your children are the victims of domestic violence, our experienced attorneys can provide representation to obtain a Civil Protection Order (CPO).
What a Civil Protection Order (CPO) can do for you:
Order the abuser to stay away from you, your home, and other places.
Order the abuser not to hit, follow, phone or have any contact with you, or your family members.
Order the abuser to move out of your home.
Temporarily order child custody, visitation and support.
Order restitution of any medical bills, lost wages or property that was destroyed as a result of the violence.
