Internet Security
(Separate Website)
An abuser may monitor your computer use. This web site includes general information about Internet security and safety tips to remember while using email or the Internet.
By: Womenslaw.org
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Spanish / Español
Finding Safety & Support
(Separate Website)
This booklet was created to help people who have been abused by their partner. This booklet will try to help you figure out if there is abuse in your relationship and will give you information on how to be safe and get help if there is abuse.
By: New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)
Read this in:
Arabic / العربية
,
Chinese / 中文
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Staying Safe
(Separate Website)
Tips to help keep you as safe as possible when living with or leaving an abusive partner.
By: Womenslaw.org
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
What is Domestic Violence?
General information on what is considered Domestic Violence in New York State.
By: Community Legal Education With an Edge (CLEWE)
Stalking
(Separate Website)
If someone is following you around or harassing you, this fact sheet can help you decide if you are the victim of stalking, and if so, where you can go for help.
By: Safe Horizon
Domestic Violence Information for Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual Women
(Separate Website)
Legal information for lesbian, transgender and bisexual women who may be victims of domestic violence.
By: New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
Domestic Violence Information for Gay, Transgender and Bisexual Men
(Separate Website)
Legal information for gay, transgender and bisexual men who may be victims of domestic violence.
By: New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project
What Is An Order of Protection?
(Separate Website)
Explains how an order of protection may help you, how to get an order of protection, and how to decide which court to go to for an order of protection. Please note that LawHelp/NY strongly recommends that you get advice from an organization or lawyer in your area before filing for an order of protection.
By: New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)
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Spanish / Español
How Does Someone Get an Order of Protection in Criminal Court?
(Separate Website)
Explains how to get a criminal court order of protection against:
- a neighbor;
- a friend;
- a co-worker;
- an acquaintance.
You can call the police at 911 or your local District Attorney's Office to request a criminal order of protection.
By: Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT)
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Korean / 한국어
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
How to Get an Order of Protection from Brooklyn Criminal Court
(Separate Website)
Information on how and when to get an order of protection from Brooklyn Criminal Court both where there has been an arrest and where there has not been an arrest.
By: South Brooklyn Legal Services (A Program of Legal Services NYC)
Petition for Order of Protection
(Separate Website)
Use this form if you want the Family Court to give you an Order of Protection.
By: New York State Unified Court System
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Spanish / Español
Petition for Violation of Order of Protection
(Separate Website)
Use this form to tell the Family Court that the person against whom you have an Order of Protection has violated the order.
By: New York State Unified Court System
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Spanish / Español
LGBTQ People & Orders of Protection in New York State Family Court
(Separate Website)
Explains the new law allowing people who have an "intimate relationship" (including a homosexual relationship) to obtain Orders of Protection in Family Court.
By: Anti-Violence Project
Tips for Seeking an Order of Protection from Family Court for LGBTQ Communities Provides information about what to expect when filing an order of protection in Family Court and a list of LGBTQ-friendly organizations that can help.
By: New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Domestic Violence Network
The Rights of Immigrants in Family Court
(Separate Website)
Explains the rights that all people have in Family Court regardless of immigration status. Also explains how a victim of domestic violence can obtain legal immigration status.
By: Legal Information for Families Today
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
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French / Français
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Hebrew / עברית
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Korean / 한국어
,
Russian / Pусский
,
Spanish / Español
Information on Domestic Violence and the Military
(Separate Website)
Information on domestic violence and the military, including the differences between the military and the civilian criminal justice systems, and where to go for help.
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Military Protective Orders
(Separate Website)
This page includes information about Military Protective Orders and their protection on military bases
By: WomensLaw.Org
Housing Laws
(Separate Website)
If you are a domestic violence victim, moving out of your apartment to a confidential location may be an important part of staying safe. Under New York housing law, if your landlord refuses to let you out of your lease, a judge who gives you an order of protection can terminate your lease without financial penalties to you.
By: WomensLaw.org
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Spanish / Español
Domestic Violence Information for all Temporary Assistance Applicants
(Separate Website)
This information is intended to help you determine if you are a victim of domestic violence and to consider ways to help keep yourself and your family safe and self-supporting.
By: Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
Domestic Violence and Public Assistance
(Separate Website)
Everything you need to know regarding special protections if you are a victim of domestic violence and are receiving public assistance.
By: South Brooklyn Legal Services (A Program of Legal Services NYC)
Fact Sheet on Public Benefits and Domestic Violence
(Separate Website)
When you apply for public benefits the caseworker should ask if you are a victim of domestic violence.
By: Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.® - Geneva Office
Workplace Protections
(Separate Website)
Being a victim of domestic violence can affect many parts of your life, including your job. Under New York's employment discrimination law, you cannot be discriminated against by an employer due to your status as a domestic violence victim. You may file a complaint against an employer if you feel that s/he has fired you, refused to hire you, or treated you differently than other employees based on your status as a victim of domestic violence. Also, if you have to quit your job due to domestic violence, you may still be entitled to unemployment benefits. The laws that protect you are explained.
By: Womenslaw.org
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Spanish / Español
If I have to miss work due to a domestic violence legal proceeding, can I be fired?
(Separate Website)
Learn about your rights.
By: WomensLaw.org
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Spanish / Español
New York City: Employment Rights and Benefits for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
(Separate Website)
Domestic or sexual violence often affects victims or survivors at work. Victims may need time off to
address the violence. They may also need changes made at work to stop the abuser or perpetrator from harassing them at work or to make the workplace safer. Some victims are illegally fired because of the violence. This pamphlet discusses the New York City laws protecting abuse victims from problems at work.
By: Legal Momentum
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Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
Domestic Violence / Unemployment Insurance
(Separate Website)
This fact sheet describes how your employer must make "reasonable accommodations" to keep you safe at your workplace and make it possible for you to keep your job. This fact sheet also describes your rights to unemployment insurance if you are the victim of domestic violence.
By: South Brooklyn Legal Services (A Program of Legal Services NYC)
Employment Rights for Domestic Violence Victims
(Separate Website)
If you believe that you have been discriminated against by your employer because you are a victim
of domestic violence, you can file a complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights. Click to learn about your rights and how to file a complaint.
By: New York State Division of Human Rights
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Spanish / Español
State Law Guide: Employment Rights for Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence
(Separate Website)
Read about the New York State law that protects domestic violence victims from discrimination at work. Also includes information about New York City and Westchester County laws that protect domestic violence victims.
By: Legal Momentum
Sample Letter Asking for Changes at Work to Help You Stay Safe
(Separate Website)
This letter requests a "reasonable accommodation" under New York City's Human Rights Law (Westchester County has a similar law). A reasonable accommodation is a change at work that will help you stay safe and allow you to do your job. You can also use this letter to ask for time off to take steps to address the violence.
By: Legal Momentum
Sample Letter Challenging a Firing, Demotion, or other Punitive Action Because You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking
(Separate Website)
This letter is to challenge, under New York City's Human Rights Law, a firing, demotion, or other change in how you are treated at work because your employer knows you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (Westchester has a similar law). It also requests "reasonable accommodations," or changes at the workplace, to help you stay safe and do your job.
By: Legal Momentum
Medical Leave for Survivors and Family Members
(Separate Website)
A survivor of domestic or sexual violence may have serious health conditions that require medical attention. These conditions may be either physical or psychological. This guide provides basic information regarding your right to take time off from work when you or a family member has a serious health condition.
By: Legal Momentum
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Disabled Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence
(Separate Website)
If you suffer from a disability because you are a victim of domestic violence, you may have certain rights and protections at your job.
By: Legal Momentum
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Can I get a new Social Security number (SSN) if I am a victim of domestic violence?
(Separate Website)
Learn the steps for how to change your Social Security Number if you are a victim of domestic violence.
By: Social Security Administration
Do you have trouble with English? Are you unable to to speak, read, write, or understand English well?
(Separate Website)
Did you know federal agencies and organizations that get money from the federal government have to provide reasonable services to assist you? Learn more.
By: Federal Interagency Working Group on LEP
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
New York City Family Justice Center, Brooklyn The New York City Family Justice Center in Brooklyn is a walk-in center for all domestic violence victims and their children. To make it easier for you to get help, many agencies are located at the Center. Services are free and available to all victims. We can help you regardless of what language you speak.
By: New York City, Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence
ABCs of Family Court
(Separate Website)
Explains some words used in Family Court.
By: Legal Information for Families Today
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
Economic Empowerment Resource Guide
(Separate Website)
While this guide is specifically intended to provide helpful information for immigrant victims of violent crimes, it may benefit many New Yorkers who are entering the job market for the first time, researching college or other educational programs, or looking to change careers. It provides information about:
- high-school equivalency (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- welfare/job centers that service immigrants throughout New York City and accept applications for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid
- job training and job placement programs
- employment agencies
- personal financial literacy classes to teach how to budget and save money as well as take control of your debt
- financial aid for higher education (such as college)
- small business resources, including micro-loans
By: City Bar Justice Center - Immigrant Women and Children Project
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
English-Spanish Glossary of Legal Terms & Phrases
(Separate Website)
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)