Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors’ Safety During the Court Process: A Checklist of Recommended Practices

Going to the courthouse and participating in hearings can be confusing and intimidating for anyone, but is especially so for domestic violence survivors. They may have significant concerns for their and their children’s emotional and physical safety; may be contending with the effects of recent trauma; and may have difficulty accessing the supportive resources that they need. As a result, it’s essential for court teams to proactively design and implement strategies to support survivors’ safety and well-being so they can meaningfully participate in the legal process, whether in-person or via videoconferencing. This checklist suggests strategies regarding safety while traveling to/from the courthouse, while inside the courthouse and courtroom, and during virtual hearings.