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An Online Resource Library on Gender-Based Violence.

Tools for Accessing State Legal Resources

The materials below include directories of legal resources in each state in the U.S., and are designed to assist those individuals seeking legal advocacy and information on specific state laws (largely surrounding family law matters). The various directories include state and local bar associations; other lawyer referral services; volunteer (pro bono) opportunities for those looking to assist survivors in legal matters; and legal aid organizations across the country, which provide no or low cost legal representation. Also included below for quick reference are resources describing specific state laws surrounding protection orders and family law matters, such as divorce and child custody.

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State and Local Bar Associations

This directory links to the contact information of many state and local bar associations. A bar association is a professional organization of attorneys who practice law in the same county, city, or state, or who practice law in a particular topic area (for example: family law). Some bar associations are voluntary, while others require that all attorneys practicing in that location or practicing that area of law are members.

The National Domestic Violence Pro Bono Directory

This directory includes a comprehensive guide to volunteer opportunities in different states. At the top of the above-listed webpage, attorneys can find a link to the Domestic Violence Pro Bono Guide. Attorneys can then select the state in which they wish to offer their pro bono services.

Finding a Lawyer

This webpage includes a drop-down menu where you can select a state and view links to lawyer referral services and legal aid organizations in that state. Listings are organized either by county or by city/town within each state.

Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders (CPOs): Statutory Summary Chart

This chart contains information on CPO laws for each state, including: definition of domestic violence; who qualifies for an order; definition of abuser; whether a CPO can be obtained against a teen or adult dating partner; whether a CPO can be obtained against a same sex partner; whether child custody, child/spousal support, stay away provisions, or restitution can be obtained; and whether there is a “catch-all” provision.

Find Legal Aid

LSC is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 134 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories.