A Legal Advocate is available to assist with criminal and civil proceedings at no charge to the victim/survivor. The following legal services may be provided:

Assistance during the criminal proceedings

• Assistance reporting to the police
• Assistance with Crime Victims Compensation (CVC)
• Accompaniment during court proceedings
• Support advocacy after the case has been closed

Assistance during civil proceedings

• Referrals to attorneys
• Help filing for orders of protection
• Accompaniment during court proceedings
• Support advocacy after the case has been closed

Assistance with the following types of Proctection Orders

Sexual Assault Protection Order – A person who is a victim of nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration, including a single incident, (who does not qualify for a domestic violence protection order) may petition for a civil order.  Minors under age of 16 with parent or guardian.

Domestic Violence Protection Order – A person who fears violence from a “family or household member” or who has been the victim of physical harm (including sexual assault) or fears imminent physical, or stalking from a “family or household member”, (includes dating relationships).  Minors under age 16 with parent or guardian.

Restraining Order – Civil order normally in context of pending divorce or other family law action.  Petitioner who is married to respondent or has child in common.

Anti-Harassment Order – Petitioner who has been seriously alarmed, annoyed or harassed by a conduct which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose.  Parties generally are not married, have not lived together, and have no children in common.

Please contact the PICAA legal advocate for assistance with these orders.