Court Advocacy

The goal of the Court Advocacy Program at the H.E.R. Shelter is to work conjunctively with appropriate community resources so that all clients receive the highest service possible. 

These services may include:

• Advocacy on clients' behalf with a variety of agencies
• Accompaniment to court appearances
• Assistance in understanding how to use the legal tools that are available to clients for their protection, i.e., Protective Orders
• Provide accurate information concerning domestic violence legal procedures to those victims of domestic violence who seek help from the courts, as well as offering a non-judgmental and caring ear for those in real need
• Work collaboratively with the Magistrate's Office, Court Services Unit, and CASA on the client's behalf
• Continue to assist the client even after they have concluded their petitions before the court
• Keep all information confidential unless there is a threat to self or others

Other services provided: 24-hour hotline; 30-day emergency shelter; children program; aftercare program; community education, training, and awareness for medical professionals, teens, employers, and elderly; volunteer opportunities; employment opportunities; student internship opportunities; needs list.

Eligible Residency: Primary is Portsmouth and Chesapeake, Virginia; Secondary is Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.