Volunteer Training

(External Training) Economic security is a critical way of ensuring survivor safety. The bankruptcy process can serve as a valuable tool for survivors to address debt and overcome credit-related barriers to employment, housing, and more. Attorneys who represent survivors also need to know how to advise their clients when an abuser files or threatens to […]

In this training, Summer Associates will learn how to help domestic violence survivors find immediate safety from their abusers through a Civil Protection Order (CPO), or “stay-away” order. Major topics covered in this training include the basic dynamics of domestic violence, trauma-informed representation, the laws and procedures regarding civil protection orders in DC, and effectively […]

When: 20 June 2023, 11:50 am to 1:30 pm Where: D.C. Superior Court Moultrie Courthouse (500 Indiana Ave., NW) Cost: Free Co-hosted by the D.C. Superior Court Pro Bono and Affordable Counsel Committee Have you been to the D.C. Superior Court?  Have you met a D.C. Superior Court Judge?  Do you want to help persons of limited means […]

Congress created the U nonimmigrant visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act (including the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act) in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking of noncitizens and other […]

Obtaining a protective order is often the first step for a survivor of domestic violence in escaping an abusive relationship. In this full-day workshop, volunteer attorneys will learn how to help survivors find immediate safety from their abusers through a Civil Protection Order (CPO), or “stay-away” order. Major topics covered in this training include the […]

Through our Child Advocacy Program, DCVLP volunteer attorneys serve as court-appointed Guardians Ad Litem (GALs) for vulnerable children ages 0 – 17 who are living in unsafe situations or experiencing significant trauma. This training will prepare volunteers to conduct a thorough investigation of their child client's home life, review important records, attend hearings to advocate […]

In this training, volunteer attorneys will learn to help domestic violence survivors and their children find long-term safety and stability through a permanent custody and/or divorce order. Major topics covered in this training include the basic dynamics of domestic violence, trauma-informed representation, and understanding the law and procedures regarding child custody and divorce in Washington, […]

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (“SIJS”) is unique among immigration relief in that the application process requires the involvement of a state court. A child seeking SIJS must first ask a state court judge to make findings that, among other things, reunification with one or both parents is not viable for the child due to abuse, […]