Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services for Domestic Violence in New York City

Overview

Survivors of domestic violence in New York City often face not only emotional trauma but also complex legal challenges — from securing protection orders to navigating custody disputes and housing issues. Fortunately, there are several trusted legal aid and pro bono organizations in NYC that provide free or low-cost legal services to survivors, regardless of income or immigration status.

This guide lists key legal aid organizations, explains what services they offer, and how to access them safely.

1. The Legal Aid Society

Website: www.legalaidnyc.org
Phone: 212-577-3300
Services:

• Representation in Family Court for orders of protection, custody, child support, and visitation

• Housing rights for survivors facing eviction or unsafe living situations

• Immigration support, including VAWA and U-Visa applications

• Criminal defense for survivors wrongly arrested or charged

Note: They serve all five boroughs and offer multilingual support. Walk-ins are discouraged; appointments are recommended.

2. Safe Horizon Legal Center

Website: www.safehorizon.org
Hotline: 1-800-621-4673 (24/7)
Services:

• Legal representation for orders of protection and family offense petitions

• Assistance with safety planning and court accompaniment

• Free legal clinics across NYC boroughs

Specialty: Trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach. They also coordinate directly with shelters and law enforcement.

3. Sanctuary for Families

Website: www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org
Phone: 212-349-6009
Services:

• Legal representation for family law, immigration, and matrimonial cases

• Economic empowerment programs for survivors rebuilding independence

• Counseling and trauma recovery services

Specialty: Expertise in handling cases involving gender-based violence and immigrant survivors.

4. Her Justice

Website: www.herjustice.org
Phone: 212-695-3800
Services:

• Free legal help for women living in poverty in NYC

• Volunteer lawyers assist with divorce, child support, custody, and immigration

• Services provided through pro bono partnerships with NYC law firms

Eligibility: Available to women who meet income guidelines and live in NYC.

5. Urban Justice Center – Domestic Violence Project

Website: www.urbanjustice.org
Phone: 646-602-5600
Services:

• Legal advocacy for orders of protection, child custody, and housing issues

• Advocacy for immigrant survivors

• Policy work advancing survivor rights across NYC

Approach: Combines direct representation with policy advocacy for systemic change.

6. New York City Bar Justice Center

Website: www.citybarjusticecenter.org
Phone: 212-626-7383
Services:

• Free legal advice through clinics and referrals to pro bono attorneys

• Guidance on restraining orders, divorce, and immigration relief

• Emergency assistance for survivors in crisis

Bonus: The center hosts “Monday Night Law” clinics that provide free consultations.

How to Access Legal Aid Safely

• Call before visiting — avoid walking in without an appointment.

• Use a safe device (not monitored by your abuser).

• Delete browser history after accessing legal resources.

• Ask for remote consultation options if unsafe to attend in person.

Additional Resources

• NYC Family Justice Centers (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island): Offer coordinated legal, counseling, and housing support.
  Website: www1.nyc.gov/nychope

• NYC HOPE Resource Directory:
  Provides a full directory of services for survivors of intimate partner violence.
  Hotline: 1-800-621-4673

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I get free legal help even if I’m undocumented?
Yes. Most NYC legal aid organizations assist survivors regardless of immigration status. Programs like Sanctuary for Families and The Legal Aid Society have immigration specialists who can help you apply for VAWA or U-Visa protections.

2. What types of cases do legal aid organizations handle?
They primarily handle family law (orders of protection, divorce, custody), housing, and immigration cases. Some also help with criminal defense if the survivor has been wrongly accused.

3. How do I qualify for free legal aid?
Eligibility depends on income, residency, and type of case. Some organizations (like Her Justice) require you to meet income limits, while others serve anyone facing domestic violence, regardless of financial status.

4. How quickly can I get help?
Emergency orders of protection can sometimes be filed the same day. For non-urgent cases, most organizations respond within a few business days after intake.

5. Can I bring my children to legal appointments?
Yes, many legal aid offices have child-friendly spaces or can help you find childcare options during your appointments.

6. What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?
Bring any documents related to your case — court papers, police reports, photos of injuries, text messages, leases, or ID. If unsafe to carry them, you can email scanned copies once connected with a caseworker.

Conclusion

You don’t have to face the legal system alone. Whether you’re seeking an order of protection, custody of your children, or help with immigration, New York City offers robust free legal aid and pro bono support for survivors of domestic violence. Each of these organizations operates with confidentiality, compassion, and a trauma-informed approach — ensuring your voice is heard and your safety prioritized.