The Domestic Violence (DV) Program provides legal and social services to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence.
Our team, comprised of attorneys and social workers, assists clients with various issues commonly encountered in family court proceedings. We strive to equip clients with the information and resources to secure housing, counseling, social services, and more. Our social workers also provide clients with emotional support and accompany clients to family court when needed. At BKA, our DV team collaborates to achieve each client’s goals, and we aim to deliver sustainable outcomes.
Our Goals
- Empowering survivors legally so they may establish a safe path forward after a DV incident or history.
- Providing survivors with resources beyond the courtroom to support their needs now or in the future.
- Addressing systemic barriers preventing survivors from seeking justice.
- Facilitating connection between survivors and other supportive organizations.
Legal Services
- Orders of protection.
- Child custody and visitation.
- Child and spousal support.
- Legal Representation in family court
- Immigration.
Social Services
- Options counseling.
- Safety planning.
- Comprehensive case management.
The DV program is geared towards individuals who meet financial eligibility criteria for free legal services and have experienced, or are currently experiencing, intimate partner domestic violence. For example, we may assist an unemployed mother seeking primary custody of a child shared with her abuser by helping obtain orders of protection and navigating child custody and support matters. However, we do not handle cases involving termination of parental rights initiated by city agencies like ACS or foster care agencies. Additionally, we do not accept clients with prior family court history or cases that have progressed past their initial stage.
We welcome referrals from partner organizations as well as walk-ins. Everyone seeking our services undergoes a pre-screening process to determine eligibility for services within our DV program. During pre-screening, an attorney or social worker speaks with the potential client to assess their needs and determine eligibility. Individuals seeking our services must provide valid and safe contact information, such as a phone number and/or email address.
For DV-related inquiries, please reach out to our office (718 487-2300 or [email protected]) and request the DV Program. In-person meetings are by appointment only.
Community Partnerships
Family Justice Center