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, […]