New Resources to Help LGBT Survivors of Domestic Violence

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 2010 –  The American Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities, Commission on Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice Section, in collaboration will the National LGBT Bar Association, has developed a toolkit for lawyers working with lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender survivors of domestic violence.

The toolkit outlines the civil legal protections available for LGBT survivors, such as civil protection orders, gives tips and resources on working with LGBT survivors and provides an up-to-date list of state laws affecting available legal protections.  The toolkit also suggests additional resources for finding more information and training.

Sometimes LGBT survivors are reluctant to seek services, thinking that they may be treated poorly or unfairly.  The toolkit provides several tips on how lawyers can prepare their practices to be receptive to, and affirming for, LGBT survivors.

An electronic version of the toolkit is available for free online at:  www.abanet.org/irr/enterprise/LGBT

Educational webinars on legal issues and remedies for LGBT victims of domestic violence can be accessed at:  http://www.abanet.org/domviol/2009webinars.html

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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