NNEDV Projects WomensLaw.org Project
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WomensLaw.org Project
In 2010, WomensLaw.org became a project of NNEDV. WomensLaw.org was founded in February 2000 by a group of lawyers, teachers, advocates and web designers interested in seeing the power of the Internet work for more disadvantaged people and specifically for survivors of domestic violence. The mission of WomensLaw.org is to provide easy-to-understand legal information and resources to women living with or escaping domestic violence or sexual assault. By reaching out through the Internet, WomensLaw.org empowers women and girls to lead independent lives, free from abuse.
For the past 10 years, WomensLaw.org and NNEDV have worked closely together to inform survivors of domestic violence about their legal rights and options. With a decade-long history of partnering on technology safety, confidentiality and legal rights projects, the merger of WomensLaw.org and NNEDV formalizes our working partnership.
- WomensLaw.org Website: The website provides over 6,000 pages of legal information written specifically for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The information, revised in accordance with annual legislative changes, is state-specific and written in plain language so that people can comprehend it without the help of a lawyer. The website also provides tips for working with lawyers and listings for telephone hotlines, local and state programs, court forms and law enforcement.
- Email Legal Hotline: The Email Legal Hotline is a safe, accessible service through which victims, friends, family and advocates can request personalized and anonymous support. Hotline advocates respond to each email, in either English or Spanish, tailoring responses to answer each person’s specific needs. The Hotline also supports advocates at local programs by answering their questions with timely, reliable and relevant legal information, helping them support the victims with whom they are working.
For more information or to access these resources, please visit the WomensLaw.org website.
Volunteer for WomensLaw.org!
WomensLaw.org is seeking volunteers who can verify and update resources listings for shelters, legal aids and courthouses. This is a virtual opportunity and can be done from anywhere in the U.S.. To learn more about the project and become a volunteer please contact Nina Gilbert, Outreach Coordinator.
No Fault Divorce Now Available in New York State!
To get a divorce, you need to have a legally acceptable reason; this legal reason is often called the "Grounds" for a divorce. Previously in New York State, you could get a divorce "after separation" or you could get a "fault-based" divorce. As of October 12, 2010, NY now has a new "no-fault" divorce option. Read more about Divorce in New York at WomensLaw.org.
New Virginia Law Enables Protection Orders To Be Extended.
In VA, a new law, passed in 2010, now allows Protective Orders for Family Abuse to be renewed. You can file a "Motion requesting a hearing to extend the order." This must be filed before your protective order expires. Proceedings to extend a protective order are supposed to be given high priority by the court. If you were a member of the respondent's family or household at the time the initial protective order was issued, the court may extend your protective order for a period of up to two years to protect the health and safety of the you or your current family or household member(s). You can file to extend your order more than once.
