Domestic Violence Project
Contact: Susheela Varky
Phone: 804-782-9430 ext. 33
Fax: 804-649-0974
E-mail: susheela [at] vplc [dot] org
Overview
The Domestic Violence Project addresses the legal needs of victims of domestic or intimate partner violence through training and technical assistance to legal aid and private attorneys, advocates and other service providers, legislative advocacy, and direct legal representation in limited situations.
What services does the Domestic Violence Project provide?
Advocacy
As a statewide support organization for local legal aid programs throughout Virginia, the Domestic Violence Project of the Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) engages in public policy efforts to improve and/or establish laws that empower domestic violence victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. With other local and statewide stakeholders and input from local legal aid attorneys and victims services staff members, we strive to educate legislators about the impact of various protocols, procedures, and legislation on victims and their families.
Training and Technical Assistance
Staff members of the Domestic Violence Project provide training and technical assistance to legal services and private attorneys, victims services advocates, and other service providers about domestic or intimate partner violence issues. Some of this work is done through participating in and managing domestic violence-related listservs.
Representation
For assistance, call the local legal aid office that serves your area or call 1-866-534-5243 to contact your local legal aid office. As a statewide support organization for local legal aid programs and their staff, we do not generally handle individual cases except when asked to act as co-counsel with a legal aid attorney. On a case-by-case basis, however, the Domestic Violence Project may be available to provide direct legal representation in matters involving complicated or innovative legal issues.