Legal Advocacy for Sexual Assault Victims - Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault - PAVSA

Legal services and representation provided to victims as they interact with the various systems that may be related to sexual assault. These include the criminal justice system, law enforcement, governmental entities, social services, civil attorneys and others. An attorney and legal advocate work specifically with victim/survivors on the sometimes complicated issues that can arise as a result of sexual violence.Legal services for victims of sexual assault including:- Applying for a protection order, known as an Order for Protection (OFP) or Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO)- Applying for Crime Victim Reparations (reimbursement for expenses due to the violence)- Applying for the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program- Assistance Writing Victim Impact Statements- Attending court and campus hearings- Ending a lease due to sexual violence- Follow up interviews with law enforcement or educational institutions- Legal advice and representation in civil legal matters including:- Divorce, child custody, and paternity- Employment- Housing (landlord/tenant disputes)- Immigration- Orders for Protection/Harassment Restraining Orders- Title IX (prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program)- Provide information about the criminal justice process- Reporting sexual violence, including trafficking and exploitation- Safety planning

09/30/2025