Community Legal Aid's Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Unit provided “Sammy,” an individual with mental and physical disabilities, with holistic legal services spanning both housing and family law.
Sammy was being exploited and manipulated by a younger woman, “B.B.” who had persuaded Sammy to let her manage his financial affairs. B.B. was also living with Sammy, in violation of Sammy’s lease. When Sammy’s landlord brought legal action to remove her from Sammy’s apartment, Sammy was referred to CLA. However, B.B. intervened and prevented Sammy from privately meeting with CLA’s staff. Sammy did not pursue his request for CLA’s services.
Several months later, Sammy called CLA, saying,
“You told me if I changed my mind, you would help me. I need help now.”
Sammy’s abuser controlled his finances and was not paying rent and other bills. He was facing eviction, and had defaulted on his trial date. He also wanted to get a restraining order against B.B.
CLA’s attorneys first helped Sammy obtain the restraining order, then turned to stabilizing his housing. Sammy’s CLA attorney successfully argued a motion to remove the default in his housing case, invoking federal law that protects victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence from being evicted due to the actions of their abusers. CLA then helped Sammy apply for short-term financial assistance, which helped him get caught up on his overdue rent.
Finally, after a series of negotiations, the landlord dismissed the eviction case.
Not only did CLA counsel Sammy regarding his legal options, Sammy's attorney referred him to domestic violence agencies for assistance, both therapeutic and financial.
When you make a gift to Community Legal Aid, you ensure that victims and survivors of abuse, like Sammy, have access to thorough and complete advocacy. Make your gift online today: https://lnkd.in/eUKgerm
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