If you or a family member have been the victim of violence or stalking by another person, we can help. Taking legal action against an abuser is an important step in keeping you and your family safe. Obtaining an attorney, however, can be a huge financial burden. The Injunction for Protection Project (IFP) at Women In Distress eliminates barriers by providing free legal services to secure restraining orders against abusers and to help survivors defend against Dependency (a.k.a Child Welfare) cases resulting from Domestic Violence.
IFP Attorneys are Florida Bar-licensed and provide FREE legal representation and legal counsel in restraining order cases for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking/Harassment/Cyberstalking. We also provide legal advice and representation to victims of violence involved in Dependency (Child Welfare) cases and/or Child Protective Investigations.
IFP Attorney services that are available include:
- Meeting with survivors to determine whether filing an injunction is safe and appropriate
- Completing and filing petitions for protection
- Representation at temporary and final hearings
- Representation at violation hearings
- Representation at hearings to modify or extend an injunction
- Representation at hearings where an abuser is attempting to dissolve or dismiss the injunction
- Legal advice and counsel throughout all stages of a Child Protective Investigation
- In-court representation in Dependency cases filed by DCF, including Shelter Hearings and Termination of Parental Rights Hearings.
IFP legal representation is dependent on the survivor’s eligibility, and an initial conflict check will be completed upon receipt of the referral to ensure there are no legal conflicts of interest before proceeding to the client-interview stage. In addition, the IFP Project will make referrals to other agencies for services not available through the Project.
To request counsel, please complete & submit the referral form below.
For more information, please contact:
Juliana Chereji Dunn, Esq., Program Director, IFP Project
954-760-9800 x1462 jdunn@WomenInDistress.org
Women In Distress 24-Hour Crisis Line
954-761-1133 / TTY/TDD 711
In case of emergency, call 911.
INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION PROJECT (IFP) INTAKE / REFERRAL FORM
If you are experiencing any technical difficulties with the electronic referral form above, please fill out the PDF version of this form and email completed form to: jdunn@womenindistress.org