New Resources for Attorneys to Help Victims of Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – a time for each of us to consider what we, as attorneys, can do to contribute to efforts to stop this epidemic in our own communities. As is often said, domestic violence knows no economic, social, religious, ethnic, racial, gender or age boundaries – it impacts all members of the community, from older citizens who are abused by care takers, to children who are exposed to violence in their homes.Studies indicate that one in every four women will be the victim of violence at the hands of an intimate partner in her lifetime.

Domestic violence "law" is a misnomer. It is not an area of law, but a category of clients. Victims of domestic violence seeking safety need every type of legal assistance imaginable – employment, tax, housing, bankruptcy, family, immigration, consumer, tort, the list goes on and on. However, they may not automatically disclose to their attorneys that they are surviving violence in their homes when they seek representation in estate planning matters. They may not understand that tort actions can be brought against batterers, in addition to other personal injury claims. It remains socially unacceptable to self-identify as a victim. It is also embarrassing. So how can you, as a lawyer, discover the critical information needed ethically and responsibly to represent victims of domestic violence?

The ABA Commission on Domestic Violence has created the “Tool for Attorneys to Screen for Domestic Violence.” This useful and effective new tool will help attorneys incorporate appropriate questions, safety planning, and referrals into everyday practice to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the support and information they need to become safe.

This tool includes sample questions, examples of steps to take to ensure the safety of attorneys and clients during representation, and resources for clients who are victims of domestic violence. It is available for free download at www.abanet.org/domviol. Hard copies may be ordered for the cost of shipping and handling.

I ask for your help, as leaders of the organized bar, to inform lawyers and others about this important new tool. It is my hope you will download this important new resource, use it in your practice, and encourage your colleagues to do the same. By doing so, you will help to alleviate the suffering of countless victims of domestic violence.

Michael S. Greco
ABA President