The Court Advocacy Program (CAP) provides court-based advocacy services to between 20 and 30 victims every business day– over 4,000 clients each year. The Court Advocacy Program is located in the Domestic Violence Intake Center (DVIC) at DC Superior Court and the DVIC Southeast Satellite (DVICSE) at United Medical Center. Advocates work with victims throughout their court case to ensure that the legal remedies they seek enhance their overall safety, and to provide resources, information and referrals as the survivor’s situation changes over time.
CAP advocates can provide:
- information and education about how to petition for a Civil Protection Order;
- assistance drafting petitions for Temporary and Civil Protection Orders;
- general legal information;
- referral to a pro bono attorney;
- safety planning assistance;
- public benefits and social services referrals;
- emergency financial assistance;
- emergency cell phones;
- diapers, formula, and baby supplies;
- court accompaniment for victims;
- emotional support; and
- assistance with any other portion of the court or social services system.
The Court Advocacy Program provides these services in close collaboration with our DVIC partners including the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Office of the Attorney General, Ramona’s Way, DC Superior Court, The Legal Aid Society for the District of Columbia and the Center for Child and Family Support’s Victim Services Center. While at the DVICs, victims can also file a police report, speak with a Victim Witness Specialist from the US Attorney’s Office about an open criminal case, and make an appointment for counseling services with partner and referral agencies.
For more information about CAP services, or to seek assistance, please contact Tiffany Joly, Legal Coordinator, at (202) 879-7859 or via e-mail at tjoly@dcsafe.org.