The Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) is a specialized, statewide project of Legal Aid of NC that provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.  It is comprised of  attorney/advocates based in Legal Aid of NC field offices (geographically located across the North Carolina) and a project director located in Raleigh. These DVPI attorneys/advocates are trained in the laws available to help increase the safety and self-sufficiency of victims, as well as the dynamics of domestic violence and safety planning.

DVPI's Battered Immigrant Project (BIP) provides comprehensive and culturally appropriate legal services to battered immigrants across the state of North Carolina, such as legal assistance with domestic violence protective orders; family law issues; public benefits; and immigration issues.  (As domestic violence experts, LANC's BIP attorneys are in a unique position to assist battered immigrants with these types of cases.  BIP attorneys work with domestic violence advocates across the state to provide them with information about the rights of battered immigrants.)

Legal Aid of NC's Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative works closely with community-based programs, agencies and task forces serving victims of domestic violence [see links].  The DVPI has existing formal collaborative agreements and referral protocols with more than 60 domestic violence victim services organizations throughout the state, and informal working relationships with at least 20 others. The DVPI also partners with the University of North Carolina School of Law, at which a DVPI attorney trains and supervises law students in the domestic violence clinic to represent victims of domestic violence. 

The types of services that are provided vary between office areas as a result of different funding resources and restrictions.  Legal Aid of NC's major source of funding for domestic violence work at this time is from a Victims of Crime Act grant to provide emergency-only services, such as obtaining and enforcing protection orders.  

Legal Aid of NC's DVPI attorneys/advocates provide legal advice and representation to domestic violence victims in  non-criminal legal matters.  Most Legal Aid of NC offices have one or two domestic violence attorneys/advocates on staff.  In field offices without a DVPI attorney on staff, Legal Aid of NC typically contracts with local attorneys to represent battered women in protection order hearings on a case-by-case basis.

For information on legal services, call the Legal Aid of NC office nearest you.

[Click here to find the Legal Aid of NC office nearest you.]

Please note that Legal Aid of NC (LANC) does not provide legal assistance via E-mail. Rather, please telephone or come to the LANC office to request assistance.