Program Overview

Legal services are often first line of defense for victims of domestic violence and are one of our most requested services. The majority of the survivors we serve have complex legal issues. Resolving the civil legal issues that are directly related to domestic violence empowers victims to rebuild their lives. Ultimately, our innovative services create a safer community—one that meets the challenging needs of victims of domestic violence with the compassion and swiftness necessary to ensure justice. Strengthening civil legal assistance for victims of domestic abuse, through innovative, collaborative programs that reach more battered women on a broader range of issues, than are typically addressed is crucial to The Shelter achieving its mission.  

Program Components

Legal Services are available for victims in civil matters related to domestic violence. The Legal Services team includes a partnership with Legal Aid and pro bono attorneys.  Legal Aid and pro bono attorneys provide consultations and injunction for protection (restraining order) representation for survivors referred from The Shelter. The main areas of focus are modification and enforcement of protection orders, divorce or separation, spousal and child support, parenting plans, child visitation, and immigration issues.  The Legal Services team includes:

• A full-time Immigration Advocate who works with undocumented survivors to obtain legal status in this country
• A full-time Advocate who works in the State Attorney’s Office three days per week assisting domestic violence crime victims with all the realms of domestic violence advocacy
• A full-time Court Advocate who attends weekly domestic violence court to provide support and advocacy to survivors requesting injunctions for protections
• A full-time InVEST (Intimate Violence Enhanced Services Team) Advocate who works in a unique collaboration with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Naples Police Department, Marco Police Department, State Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Children & Families and provides intensive service management and assistance to individuals identified to be in potentially lethal situations