Our legal assistance program combines expertise in domestic violence issues and legal remedies with immediate and on-going support that is easily accessible and free-of-charge
Legal Helpline
The Legal Helpline provides safety planning and crisis support, legal options and information, county-specific step by step filing procedures, and critical legal and social services referrals to any caller regardless of geographic location. Callers that request free legal representation complete an intake form, which is reviewed with an attorney who determines eligibility.
The Legal Helpline opened in 1986 as the Crisis Line for Legal Advocates for Abused Women. In 2012, Legal Advocates for Abused Women merged with Crime Victim Center.
Contact the Legal Help Line at 314-664-6699
Legal Representation
We offer free legal representation for Adult and Child Order of Protection hearings for those surviving intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or stalking in the following Missouri counties: Service area includes these Missouri counties: St. Louis
City and County, Jefferson, Franklin, Warren, and Washington. Also provides legal information on issues related to survivors of these crimes regardless of geographic location, as well as advocacy and safety planning.
Eligibility guidelines address the needs of the poor and the “working poor,” and clients receive ongoing advocacy and support while the protective order is in effect or until an end to services is requested. Specialized services are provided for immigrants and refugees.
Volunteer attorneys are an important component and significantly increase the number of clients that can be served. Crime Victim Center's Managing Attorney works closely with Thompson Coburn, other law firms, Washington University School of Law Civil Justice Clinic, St. Louis University Legal Clinics and other local partners who provide pro bono legal representation for legal clients.