In the US today, nearly one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing even higher risks. These are staggering numbers, representing countless lives impacted – often silently. As we reflect on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re determined to illuminate this issue and help ensure survivors have access to resources and support to live free from violence. 

Pro Bono Net’s free online legal forms program, LawHelp Interactive (LHI), helps tens of thousands of survivors each year complete an order for protection, an essential step towards obtaining safety and justice. Through LHI, survivors can access and complete this and other vital legal forms online, more easily and accurately, on their own terms and in their own words.

Last year alone, LHI completed more than 68,800 free legal document packages for survivors, including orders for protection. Below are examples of what survivors tell us LHI means to them: 

  • “I was excited and felt stronger [after using LHI]. I hope it works for anyone who wants to be finally free from domestic violence. And don’t have a lot of income.”
  • “This will change my life for the better. Can’t thank you enough.”
  • “Thank you for truly helping others during their time of need, especially when it is to get help and/or protection from someone you loved.” 

LHI also supports hundreds of advocates and volunteers at legal aid programs, courts, and community organizations across the country helping survivors with this process, and to achieve safety.  As one told us, “[LawHelp Interactive] factors into our entire order of protection protocol, or rather our protocol has been built around this service. As an agency, it is often put to use multiple times a day, every week.”

As a justice ally, you know that free, safe, easily accessible help is a lifeline for survivors. Thank you for being a part of our mission, and all that you do. To learn more about domestic violence and who is affected, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline.   

Learn more about LHI here: https://lawhelpinteractive.org. If you know of an organization that works with survivors and might benefit from LHI, please reach out to us.