Legal Advocacy:

Marjaree Mason Center victim advocates work with police and sheriff's deputies to offer services to victims who have reported domestic violence. Advocates help explain legal options, the restraining order process, and offer referrals for other services.

Legal Options Class:

Held once a week, this free course answers victims' legal questions regarding domestic violence, restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and criminal court proceedings. The first hour of the class is mainly informational, providing victims with an overview of the legal processes surrounding restraining orders, custody, divorce, etc. The second hour serves as a workshop for filling out restraining orders. Victims can receive one-on-one assistance from advocates in filling out restraining order paperwork. For monolingual Spanish speaking victims, MMC provides bilingual advocates to help fill out restraining order paperwork, which must be completed in English. Victims do not need to attend the class to receive one-on-one assistance filling out restraining orders; they merely need to contact the Marjaree Mason Center. More information

Court Accompaniment

Marjaree Mason Center advocates attend family court hearings with victims to help level the legal playing field. For many victims, their abusers control the purse strings and are able to obtain attorneys. Advocates create a more level playing field by keeping victims informed about their legal options, explaining the often complicated proceedings, and providing moral support.

Project First Step:

For client with more complicated legal issues, advocates may recommend Project First Step. This program recruits pro bono attorneys to represent victims of domestic violence.