My first paid position at Legal Aid was as a law clerk with Project Dignity, a program focused on serving victims and survivors of domestic violence. Project Dignity was generously funded and supported not only staff at Legal Aid but also at partner organizations, enabling the delivery of comprehensive, wraparound services with a courthouse presence and direct collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office. That position was life changing for me, in terms of understanding the severity of the day-to-day fear and abuse that many experience and the dire need for support.
It solidified my desire to make a career of Legal Aid, as I saw firsthand the difference legal services made in the lives of domestic violence survivors.
Unfortunately, even though that clerkship was many years ago, Ohio continues to have a high rate of domestic violence. Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) reported in April that more than 188,000 Ohioans experienced abuse, and 114 lost their lives to domestic violence in 2024. That violence costs Ohio $1 billion a year due to resulting health care costs, loss of life and lost work productivity, according to the ODVN report.
At LASCO, and at other Legal Aids across the country, there is substantially more need in the domestic area than we can meet. Funding from sources like the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) has been reduced in recent years, making these constraints more significant. We prioritize cases involving domestic violence, utilize pro bono and referral partners, but, even with that, are forced to turn away cases where legal representation would dramatically improve the lives of the survivor and their family. That difference can be seen in cases like Olivia’s.
When Olivia ended her relationship with Ed, he followed her, threatened to kill her, and told her he would kidnap her children. Even after she married and moved, Ed discovered where she lived and began driving by her home. Afraid for her safety and that of her children, Olivia turned to Legal Aid. Her attorney helped her secure a civil protection order that included her children and barred Ed from contacting them. After the hearing, Olivia shared that thanks to Legal Aid, she felt like she had a “little bit of my life back.”
Please consider supporting LASCO’s efforts in securing safety for victims and survivors of domestic violence through your donations or pro bono support.
