U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) co-introduced legislation last week that would help survivors of domestic abuse find legal representation to secure restraining orders and explore other legal avenues.
The Power Act, H.R. 6149, introduced by U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-MA), would require each U.S. Attorney’s office to annually host public events to support pro bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence.
“Approximately one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and domestic violence survivors are not guaranteed a lawyer,” Brooks said. “As a result, many of these survivors are trapped in a cycle of abuse with no way to escape.”
Under the bill, U.S. Attorneys would report to the Department of Justice, which would then compile and deliver a single report to Congress each year detailing public events and the results of the initiative.
“Civil legal aid has been proven to reduce domestic violence, because it helps survivors secure protective orders and get out of abusive situations,” Brooks said. “As a former U.S. Attorney, I am hopeful that U.S. Attorney offices across the country can play a role in raising awareness for the need of pro bono legal services, connecting victims of domestic violence with legal aid, and ultimately, empowering survivors.”
Kennedy said that the justice system should be a haven for survivors of domestic abuse, but instead too many survivors face the fear and intimidation they are trying to escape in court.
“Without access to legal assistance, many confront their abuser alone in court, victimized once again,” Kennedy said. “The Power Act will help restore the promise of equal protection for the millions of domestic violence victims across our country.”