Family Law & Domestic Violence

Domestic violence survivors and their children face substantial barriers when they must interact with the court system and state agencies, as fleeing abuse often leads to isolation from family and other supports, decreased access to financial resources, and loss of evidence of abuse.

During legal proceedings, survivors may be subject to coercive control (including controlling and abusive litigation) and threats of reports to state and federal agencies from their abusive partner.

As the lead advocate of the Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Program (DVLAP, a special project of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation), MLRI coordinates statewide family law advocacy and provides expertise and support to legal aid programs and community collaborators throughout the state.

Our family law and domestic violence advocacy focuses on:

• leading and supporting legislative advocacy that protects domestic violence survivors and their children.
• organizing and participating in amicus briefs addressing family law issues and domestic violence concerns.
• working with the courts and state agencies with whom our clients and attorneys interact.
• increasing the knowledge and skills of legal aid and allied family law attorneys through training and provision of materials.
• providing forums, both in-person and on-line, that allow legal aid and allied family law attorneys to share and seek information.