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.
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.
To request counsel, please complete & submit the electronic referral form below.
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
Click here for PDF versions in Español, Português, Kreyol Ayisyen, and English.
INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION PROJECT (IFP) INTAKE / REFERRAL FORM
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Justice policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write the Department of Legal Affairs, Federal Discrimination Complaint Coordinator, PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1050, or call 850-414-3300, or write Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531 or call 202-307-0690 (Voice) or 202- 307-2027 (TDD/TTY) or https://ojp.gov/about/ocr/complaint.htm. Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech), or 800-845-6136 (Spanish).
This project was supported by Award No. VOCA-C-2023-Women in Distress of Broward Cou-00102 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs. Sponsored by Women in Distress of Broward Co. Inc. and the State of Florida.