Legal Services
Legal assistance is essential for domestic violence families to establish safety and rebuild their lives.
The Legal Program supports survivors with legal issues they are facing related to their experiences of domestic violence. We aim to support survivors and the community to feel empowered in their interactions with the legal system, and assist them in using the legal system to shape lives free of violence.
In addition to our Staff Attorney and Paralegal Advocate, we cultivate and maintain relationships with area attorneys who take our clients on a pro bono or low-bono basis.
Based on your eligibility and needs, the Legal Program may provide one or more of the following:
- Full representation, limited assistance representation, or brief advice/ongoing support basis
- Support in areas of family law, housing, and immigration matters
- These can include things like seeking restraining orders, divorces, custody arrangements, parentage, and evictions.
- Support for survivors seeking citizenship in their proceedings
- Support with legal costs, when available
We're Here for Everyone
Safe Passage advocates work towards safety, healing, and justice for our entire community. We are here for everyone who has experienced domestic violence or relationship abuse.
LGBTQ+ survivors
We know that domestic violence happens to people of all genders and sexual orientations. We are committed to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of our services. Our support groups and individual counseling are open to people of all genders.
Children
Safe Passage is here for children who have witnessed domestic violence or experienced abuse, and their supportive adults.
Survivors with disabilities
Our office is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Our counselor/advocates can help with medical and disability-related concerns.
Latino survivors
Se Habla Español. Safe Passage ofrece sus servicios en Inglés y Español, en nuestra oficina de Northampton y en localidades en nuestra comunidad.
We offer services in English and Spanish, at our office in Northampton and in locations throughout the community.
Immigrants
Immigrants and refugees are welcome here. We will not ask for any documents. We will keep your story confidential. We can provide services in many languages. We're here to help.
Las personas inmigrantes y refugiados son bienvenidos a Safe Passage. No pedimos documentación. Sus historias son confidenciales. Proveemos servicios en varios idiomas. Estamos aqui para ayudarles.
Other ways we can help
Support Groups
Safe Passage offers a variety of support groups for survivors who want to share their experiences with others. Our support groups are facilitated by staff counselors.
Counseling
Legal issues are often key to a family's ability to be safe and build a new life. Our Legal Program provides legal advice and representation to survivors of domestic violence with cases in Probate and Family Court.
Children's Services
Children’s Program staff act as children’s allies, advocating for each child's needs with family members, teachers, and service providers. Safe Passage also offers a weekly Parenting Group for parents of children who have experienced domestic violence.