The Legal Aid Society of Rochester is making a significant impact in the community by restarting its Survivors of Violence Project, thanks to a generous three-year, $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This program provides crucial civil legal services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Monroe, Genesee, and Orleans counties. The Legal Aid Society will collaborate with other agencies, such as Willow Domestic Violence Center and Trillium Health, to offer comprehensive support to survivors of violence.
Carla Palumbo, the president and CEO of the Legal Aid Society, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in assisting survivors of violence. She stated, „It really is all of us together working… to lift that victim up, and to help them make a decision that they’re safe in leaving.“ By partnering with organizations that specialize in providing supportive services, the Legal Aid Society aims to address a wide range of legal issues faced by survivors, including divorce, custody, child support, and eviction prevention.
One of the key benefits of this program is its ability to reach individuals in rural areas where services may be limited or non-existent. Palumbo highlighted the importance of extending support to immigrants in these underserved areas, as well as enhancing outreach to the LGBTQ+ community through the partnership with Trillium Health. By working together with these agencies, the Legal Aid Society hopes to ensure that all survivors of violence have equal access to the resources and assistance they need.
The Legal Aid Society estimates that it will serve approximately 1,300 clients over the three-year funding period, providing vital legal aid to those who may not have access to such services otherwise. While the nonprofit previously operated a similar program for two decades, the lack of federal funding in 2022 and 2023 posed a challenge. However, with the recent grant announcement by U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, the Legal Aid Society can continue its life-saving mission of supporting survivors of violence in the community.
Overall, the restart of the Survivors of Violence Project by the Legal Aid Society of Rochester signifies a renewed commitment to providing essential legal services to those who have experienced trauma. Through collaboration with partner agencies and a focus on reaching underserved populations, the society is poised to make a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors of violence in the region.