Legal Program

The Legal Advocacy Program provides assistance to women in shelter as well as offering information and referrals through our hotline.
To support victims in making informed decisions, the Legal Advocate provides information about district and family court and the legal process and advocates for and with victims throughout the criminal and civil court process. We cannot, however, act as an expert witnesses in criminal or civil proceedings.
In Family Court, the Legal Advocacy Program provides the following services:

• Provides a weekly informational program for plaintiffs in Permanent Relief from Abuse Order Hearings
• Individual advocacy with plaintiffs and service users during Permanent Relief from Abuse Order hearings provided by the Legal advocate and volunteer advocates.
• Meets with Chittenden Family Court Judges at the beginning of each rotation.
• Works with the court to ensure the Single Day Docket is running smoothly.
• Assists victims in applying for temporary orders when advocates are available.
• Attend other relevant court hearings with service users as advocates are available.

In District Court, the Legal Advocacy Program provides the following services:

• Advocacy, support and information about the court process for victims during the criminal court process
• Consults with victims and State�s Attorney and Victim Advocates regarding prosecution, conditions of release and sentencing.
• Work with the court to help ensure the process is conscious of victims and their children�s safety needs.
• Attend hearings with victim witnesses as requested and when available.

We also offer Partner Support in conjunction with the Domestic Abuse Education Project (DAEP). This program is designed to provide support and information to the partners of DAEP participants. Through this project, WHBW hotline volunteers and staff initiate contact with partners of DAEP participants. It also provides a link between DAEP group leaders, Correctional Services Specialists and the victim.
Services offered in this program consist of: