Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in Boston

If you are experiencing domestic violence in Boston or the surrounding area, you may need help with legal matters like restraining orders (abuse prevention orders), divorce, custody & support, housing, or immigrant relief. Fortunately, there is a network of legal aid, pro bono, and advocacy organizations in Boston and Massachusetts dedicated to assisting survivors, often at no cost or low cost. This guide outlines major providers, what they offer, and how to reach them safely.

Key Legal Aid & Pro Bono Providers in Boston / Greater Boston

1. Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS)

Website: gbls.org
Phone: 617-371-1234 (also toll-free/other numbers) Mass.gov+2Greater Boston Legal Services+2
Services:

• Through its Family Law / Domestic Violence / Family Law Unit, GBLS provides representation to low-income survivors in divorce, custody, child support, and restraining orders ("abuse prevention orders") cases. Greater Boston Legal Services+3Greater Boston Legal Services+3Greater Boston Legal Services+3

• Also assists with relocation, safety planning, and legal counseling in domestic violence–related matters. Greater Boston Legal Services+1

• Besides direct services, GBLS engages in impact litigation and systemic advocacy to improve protections for survivors. Greater Boston Legal Services+2Greater Boston Legal Services+2

• They also offer pro bono opportunities (e.g. preparing immigration petitions, representing survivors) via their volunteer program. Greater Boston Legal Services+2Greater Boston Legal Services+2

Notes / Scope:

• GBLS covers Boston and many surrounding towns (31 or more). Greater Boston Legal Services

• Services are for civil (non-criminal) matters. Greater Boston Legal Services+1

2. Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP)

Website: vlpnet.org
Phone / Intake: 617-603-1700 Volunteer Lawyers Project
Services:

• VLP provides free civil legal assistance through pro bono volunteers for low-income individuals in the Greater Boston area, including survivors of domestic violence. Volunteer Lawyers Project

• They accept cases such as family law, restraining orders, and other related civil matters. Volunteer Lawyers Project+1

• VLP also runs Eastern Region Legal Intake (ERLI) in cooperation with the Boston Bar, offering intake, advice, and referral services. Boston Bar Association+1

3. Women’s Bar Foundation – Pro Bono Projects

Website: wbawbf.org
Services:

• The Women’s Bar Foundation runs pro bono projects that provide free legal services to survivors of domestic abuse, especially in family law and restraining order cases. wbawbf.org

• One of their offerings includes a Restraining Order Intake Project to screen and refer clients to volunteer attorneys. wbawbf.org

4. Legal Services Center (Harvard / Law School Clinic)

Website: legalservicescenter.org
Location / Contact: Jamaica Plain / Boston area (122 Boylston Street, etc.) Legal Services Center+2Mass.gov+2
Services:

• The Legal Services Center provides law student clinics supervised by attorneys, covering family/domestic violence, housing, immigration, and other civil legal needs. Legal Services Center+2Mass.gov+2

• They assist with restraining orders, domestic violence–affected family law cases, and related civil representation. Mass.gov+2Justia+2

5. Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK)

Phone / Helpline: 617-338-2355 Justia+2Mass.gov+2
Services / Focus:

• ATASK is a culturally responsive advocacy organization serving the Asian and immigrant communities in Greater Boston. BPL Guides+2Justia+2

• They provide legal advocacy, referrals, and direct assistance (or connections) for survivors of domestic violence in these communities. Justia+1

6. Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)

Website: victimrights.org
Phone: (617) 399-6720 Victim Rights Law Center+1
Services:

• While VRLC is especially focused on survivors of sexual assault, they handle civil legal issues (which sometimes overlap with domestic violence cases) — e.g. privacy, housing, employment, protection. Victim Rights Law Center+1

• They also provide training and technical assistance to attorneys working with gender-based violence and survivors. Victim Rights Law Center+1

7. MetroWest Legal Services

Website: mwlegal.org
Services:

• While not exclusively inside Boston, MetroWest Legal Services offers free civil legal aid (including family law) for low-income individuals in the MetroWest area, which can serve suburban communities around Boston. MetroWest Legal

• Their services cover housing, family law, immigration, and support for victims of crime. MetroWest Legal

How to Safely Access Legal Help in Boston

• Use a private device or incognito window when searching for legal help if you fear your abuser is monitoring your internet.

• Call from a safe phone or ask for callbacks if direct calls are unsafe.

• Ask whether remote / virtual intake or consultations are available.

• Prepare any evidence or documents (photos, texts, police reports, past court papers) in secure digital form if possible.

• After contacting or browsing, clear your browser history or call logs, if safe to do so.

• If meeting in person, consider daytime hours and safe routes; bring someone you trust or arrange safe transport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are legal services really free?
Yes — most of the organizations listed assist low-income survivors of domestic violence at no cost (in civil matters). Some use pro bono volunteer attorneys or student clinics.

2. Do I need to live in Boston proper to get help?
Not always. GBLS serves Boston and many surrounding towns. MetroWest Legal Services serves suburban areas. Check with each provider about their geographic eligibility.

3. Can noncitizen or undocumented survivors get help?
Yes — many of these providers accept clients regardless of immigration status and can help with immigration relief (e.g. VAWA, U-visa) or refer when appropriate.

4. How quickly can I get a restraining order / abuse prevention order?
Depending on court schedules and urgency, you may be able to get an emergency order relatively quickly. Legal aid or pro bono attorneys can assist with filings and hearings.

5. What documents should I bring to intake?
If safe, bring police reports, medical or counseling records, photos of injuries, text messages or emails, witness names, identification, and any prior court documents.

6. What if I don’t qualify for one of these programs based on income?
If you exceed income limits, you might still access pro bono or volunteer-attorney programs (like VLP, Women’s Bar Foundation), or pay for limited-scope representation through clinics or low-cost referrals.

Conclusion

Boston and the Greater Boston area have a strong network of legal aid and pro bono organizations committed to helping survivors of domestic violence access justice, protection, and safety. Whether you need a restraining order, help with family law (custody, divorce), immigration support, or legal advice, the organizations above can be a starting point. You don’t have to face this alone.