Domestic abuse and violence, also known as intimate partner abuse and violence, is a pervasive, life-threatening crime that affects millions of people across the United States regardless of age, economic status, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, or education level. It is a pattern of behavior an abusive person uses to get and keep power and control over their partner, spouse, or family member. Many people think that domestic violence must involve physical violence – but that is not true. Abusive behavior can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse or financial abuse (using money and financial tools to take control). Stalking, threats, harassing calls or texts, and a lot of other things can be domestic violence, especially if they make you feel afraid.

All types of abuse can be devastating to survivors. As a result of domestic violence, survivors are often isolated from the support of family and friends, lack economic resources, and struggle to maintain housing or employment. Survivors may also experience mental health issues because of the abuse, like PTSD or depression.

The term sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without clear consent of the victim. Some types of sexual assault are: attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, and rape. Force doesn’t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional or psychological coercion or manipulation to pressure a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their family. It’s important to remember that dating, instances of past intimacy, or other acts like kissing do not give someone consent for increased or continued sexual contact.

Most perpetrators of sexual assault are someone the victim knowns, like an intimate partner, a date, a classmate, a neighbor, a family member, or many other different roles. In other cases, the victim may not know the perpetrator at all. 

Nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual assault. These assaults can affect all parts of a survivor’s life, including their financial stability, education, housing, employment, immigration status, and family. Further, many survivors struggle with long-term mental health issues that can lead to quitting their jobs, dropping out of school, and disconnecting from vital support systems.

LACLJ strives to provide survivors with client-centered services which are holistic, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and collaborative. 

• Holistic: recognizes that the client is part of many systems, such as family and community, social services, and various legal systems. 
• Trauma-informed: services provided in a way that is accessible and appropriate for survivors of trauma, respecting and responding to the effects of trauma at all points in the process.
• Culturally Responsive: respects that the client’s experience is influenced by their cultural, religious, social, socio-economic and historical customs, beliefs, values and community and is also a unique person who may identify with intersecting cultures.
• Collaborative: acknowledges that the client is the expert on their life, the nature of the problem, the acceptable solutions, and the measure of success.

Through our integrated service model, in addition to meeting clients’ various legal needs, LACLJ provides clients with safety planning, accompaniment, case management, and social service referrals through its Community Care Advocacy Program.

Learn More About our Work

• Restraining Orders
• Immigration
• Family Law
• Criminal Justice Advocacy
• Shriver Custody Project
• Human Trafficking Project

More Information on Domestic Violence and How LACLJ Can Help

Everyone can speak out against domestic violence. Use this “10 Tips to Have Informed Conversation about Domestic Violence” to help guide your conversations with friends, family and others.

If you are being abused: Most importantly, know that the abuse is not your fault and you are not alone. It is normal to feel angry, sad, or confused by domestic abuse. If you are suffering abuse, harassment, or harm from a partner or family member, or you think you might be, help is available. Please get connected to a domestic violence advocate who can provide information and support and connect you to services. (Los Angeles County Domestic Abuse Hotline (24/7): 800-978-3600). Through client-centered legal services, LACLJ strives to help survivors meet their own goals for safety and stability. If you decide that taking legal action is the best course for you, please CLICK HERE TO APPLY for our services.

More Information on Sexual Assault and How LACLJ Can Help

If you are a survivor of sexual assault: Remember that you are not to blame for the assault. Survivors of sexual assault often blame themselves for behaving in a way that encouraged the behavior. It’s important to remember that the victim is never to blame for the actions of a perpetrator. It is normal to feel angry, sad, or confused by a sexual assault.

If you have survived a sexual assault, or you think you might have, help is available. Please get connected to a sexual assault advocate who can provide information and support and connect you to services. Here is a list of some local hotlines that are open 24/7:

• YWCA of Greater Los Angeles: 877-943-5778
• East LA Women’s Center: 800-585-6231
• Strength United: (818) 886-0453 or (661) 253-0258

By helping survivors access their legal rights, LACLJ attorneys help empower survivors to use the law to move beyond the results of a sexual assault. If you decide that taking legal action is the best course for you, please CLICK HERE TO APPLY for our services.