Domestic Violence Safe House Resource Center for Women and Their Families - Somerset County NJ
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Home > Resources: Legal Advocacy  

Legal Advocacy

The Resource Center for Women and Their Families (RCWTF) provides court advocacy for clients involved in civil or criminal cases which are a result of domestic violence. RCWTF staff and trained volunteers can assist clients in a variety of ways.

On-site at the Somerset County Courthouse, RCWTF advocates are present in civil domestic violence courtrooms to provide direct support and assistance to clients and to advocate on behalf of clients with courthouse personnel. Advocates may assist in criminal courtroom matters on a case by case basis. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Advocate normally assists in criminal matters.

Court advocates assist with paperwork for domestic violence protective orders and criminal charges and referrals to the appropriate resources, i.e. law enforcement, the County Prosecutor, a municipal court judge, clerk offices, and victim services and compensation. Referrals are also made at our outreach office.

Although court advocates cannot provide legal advice or representation for clients in civil and criminal cases, advocates can connect clients with legal services. RCWTF works with Legal Services of Northwest Jersey to provide free legal advice and representation in several areas for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

In situations involving custody, child support, immigration, housing and employment the Resource Center refers clients to Legal Services and other Somerset County agencies. Please contact our office for further information on our court advocacy program.

Navigating through the legal system can be an intimidating experience. Court advocates assist domestic violence survivors in obtaining Restraining Orders (Orders of Protection) and in accessing all available legal remedies. Advocates provide information about options, offer support and accompany survivors through court proceedings.

We provide:

  • Accompaniment to court
  • Information about domestic violence law
  • Support throughout legal proceedings
  • Advocacy with law enforcement, court personnel and legal services
  • Legal clinics and free consultations conducted by volunteer attorneys

Services that Legal Advocates provide are limited to Domestic Violence related Legal matters.

 

For more information on any of our services and how to use them
please call our 24-hour hotline - (866) 685-1122