OVERVIEW: Provides legal representation and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.

SERVICES:
1) LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Primarily provides assistance in protective order cases. Also provides assistance to some low income victims of domestic violence in areas of divorce, child custody, child support and maintenance, property distribution, and emergency injunctions. Will accompany battered victims to court for criminal proceedings.

2) ADVOCACY: Advocates for legislation to provide legal protection to battered victims and for the rights of battered victims and children in the areas of housing, social services, employment and child care. Legal advocates educate clients by telephone in matters of civil and criminal legal remedies for domestic violence and prepare clients for hearings when representation is unavailable.

3) LEGAL TRAINING: Recruits attorneys who are willing to volunteer their time and provides training to handle domestic violence civil cases.

4) PUBLIC SPEAKING: See separate listing House: House of Ruth, Speaker's Bureau.

5) WALK-IN LEGAL CLINICS: Provides walk-in service when staff is available. Handles some divorce and custody cases. Only deal with protective orders and ex-parte orders.

HYATTSVILLE COURTHOUSE: 4990 Rhode Island Avenue, 2nd Floor, Hyattsville, MD., 20781 Fax: 301-985-5953
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-4:30PM.

UPPER MARLBORO COURTHOUSE: 14735 Main Street, Room m1440, Upper Marlboro, MD., 20772 Fax: 301-574-3782
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-4:30PM.