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Included in this list are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to victims and survivors of abuse, as well as to others who qualify. Even if the organization does not have a lawyer available to represent you in court, you may want to ask if there is a lawyer with whom you can consult to obtain advice. We list the organizations by the county where the office is located, but many offices serve multiple counties. We indicate the “counties served” whenever possible. You can click “View All” to look through the complete list of organizations.
Please note: WomensLaw does not have a relationship with or promote the organizations listed on these pages. Because we include thousands of resources, we cannot review them regularly or vouch for the information or services they provide. We share these resources to help all victims and survivors of abuse find essential direct services and support their needs and safety concerns.
Georgetown Law Domestic Violence Clinic
URL: https://www.law.georgetown.edu/experiential-learning/clinics/our-clinics/domesti…
Email: dvclinic@georgetown.edu
Student attorneys in the Clinic represent domestic violence survivors in civil protection order cases in D.C. Superior Court. The Clinic receives referrals for intake from DC SAFE, the central domestic violence referral organization in D.C. On occasion, the Clinic is able to accept clients who call the Clinic directly. The Clinic operates on an academic schedule, from September to November, and from February to April.
Amara Legal Center
URL: https://amaralegal.org/
Email: info@amaralegal.org
Provides free legal services to survivors of sex trafficking and the commercial sex industry. The provide representation in areas such as family law, child custody, divorce, civil protection orders, victim-witness advocacy, and criminal defense. They can also provide referrals to mental health providers and social service agencies.
American University Washington College of Law Gender Justice Clinic
URL: https://www.american.edu/wcl/academics/experientialedu/clinical/theclinics/women…
Student attorneys in the Gender Justice Clinic represent clients in a wide range of cases including family law, immigration, public benefits, domestic violence, housing, and other matters. Call the Clinic to inquire about services and if they are accepting new cases.
Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC)
Phone 2: (202) 706-7150
URL: https://www.apalrc.org/
Email: helpline@apalrc.org
Offers linguistically and culturally appropriate legal assistance to low-income Asian Pacific Americans. They help domestic violence survivors in the District of Columbia and Maryland with protective orders and immigration matters (particularly VAWA self-petitions). Helpline assistance is free of charge to its callers, but the level of service the APALRC provides depends on factors such as the type of legal issue and household income. Helpline volunteers speak English, Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Ayuda - Washington, D.C. Office
Phone 2: (833) 422-0005 (text line)
URL: https://ayuda.com/
Ayuda provides free legal services to low-income, immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Maryland and the District of Columbia. They can assist with protective orders, child support, child custody, divorce, legal separation, spousal support, and crime victims’ rights. District residents can call this office for a consultation and advice, or visit the walk-in clinic.
Bread for the City’s Legal Clinic - Northwest Center
Phone 2: (202) 265-2400
URL: https://breadforthecity.org/
Email: info@breadforthecity.org
The Legal Clinic provides advice and representation to low-income D.C. residents in family law, immigration, housing, and public benefits cases. They help survivors of domestic violence with protection orders, custody, divorce, and child support. Their Immigrant Justice Project provides direct legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and family abuse in humanitarian-based immigration petitions (U visas, VAWA, SIJS). Services are offered in English and Spanish.
Bread for the City’s Legal Clinic - Southeast Center
Phone 2: (202) 561-8587
URL: https://breadforthecity.org/
Email: info@breadforthecity.org
The Legal Clinic provides advice and representation to low-income D.C. residents in family law, immigration, housing, and public benefits cases. They help survivors of domestic violence with protection orders, custody, divorce, and child support. Their Immigrant Justice Project provides direct legal representation to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and family abuse in humanitarian-based immigration petitions (U visas, VAWA, SIJS). Services are offered in English and Spanish.
Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services
URL: https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/program/immigration-legal-services/
Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services (ILS) provides direct legal immigration services to foreign-born individuals and their families. Schedule a virtual consultation by calling the Intake Call Center or use the online scheduling tool. Services provided in English and Spanish. They charge a consultation fee of $85; there is limited financial assistance available for those who qualify.
Catholic University Columbus School of Law Families and the Law Clinic
URL: https://www.law.edu/academics/legal-externships-and-clinics/clinics/columbus-com…
Student attorneys at the Clinic take cases of domestic violence, family law, and immigration law, for no charge. They can assist in a variety of civil matters including civil protection orders, divorce/separation, child custody/visitation/support, SIJS, and more. Call the office to determine eligibility for services. New cases are accepted generally in September and January.
D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Email: probono@dcbar.org
Provides free legal assistance through volunteer lawyers at different locations in Washington, D.C. Their Advice & Referral Clinic offers information, advice, and brief services in matters including family law, housing, public benefits, and more. Individuals needing further assistance will be referred to another legal service provider. Check the website for upcoming clinic dates and locations.
D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project - Washington, D.C. Office
URL: https://dcvlp.org/
Email: clinic@dcvlp.org
The D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project (DCVLP) has offices in Washington, D.C. and Montgomery County, Maryland. The D.C. office provides pro bono legal services for domestic violence victims (including dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and gender-based violence), vulnerable immigrants, and at-risk children. DCVLP attorneys can assist with protection orders, custody, child support, divorce, and immigration relief for victims. They also offer in-person and remote legal clinics in D.C. on these topics; clinic dates and locations are listed on their website. To apply for services, call the D.C. Intake Line or complete the online intake form.
Domestic Violence Intake Center - Main Office
URL: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/domestic-violence-matters/intake-centers
There are two Domestic Violence Intake Centers in D.C. where victim service agencies and criminal justice partners come together to provide services to victims. Services available include assistance with legal services, Crime Victims’ Compensation, filing a police report, filing for child support, housing, and other services.
Domestic Violence Intake Center - Southeast Office
URL: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/domestic-violence-matters/intake-centers
There are two Domestic Violence Intake Centers in D.C. where victim service agencies and criminal justice partners come together to provide services to victims. Services available include assistance with legal services, Crime Victims’ Compensation, filing a police report, filing for child support, housing, and other services.
Legal Aid DC - Northwest Office
URL: https://www.legalaiddc.org/
Legal Aid DC provides direct free representation to clients in domestic violence, family law, public benefits, housing, and consumer issues. The domestic violence and family law attorneys can represent clients in obtaining protective orders, custody, divorce, and child support. Apply for services by phone, in person, or online.
Legal Aid DC - Southeast Office
URL: https://www.legalaiddc.org/
Legal Aid DC provides direct free representation to clients in domestic violence, family law, public benefits, housing, and consumer issues. The domestic violence and family law attorneys can represent clients in obtaining protective orders, custody, divorce, and child support. Apply for services by phone, in person, or online.
Legal Counsel for the Elderly
URL: https://www.aarp.org/legal-counsel-for-elderly/
Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE) provides free legal and social work services to Washington, D.C. residents age 60 and older. LCE can help with issues such as public benefits, long-term care, powers of attorney, and more. Call the LCE legal hotline for free legal advice, assistance, and referrals. They can see clients in the LCE office or in their homes.
Mil Mujeres
URL: https://milmujeres.org/
Email: dcstaff@milmujeres.org
Mil Mujeres provides legal services to low-income individuals in the immigrant community. They specialize in serving survivors of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault. Their services include help with U visas, T visas, asylum, VAWA petitions, naturalization, DACA immigration processes, and more. Services are offered in English and Spanish. There are costs associated with the services.
Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) - Far Northeast Office
URL: https://www.nlsp.org/
Provides free legal information, advice, and representation in civil legal matters to low-income District of Columbia residents. Services include help obtaining domestic violence protection orders, custody, divorce, child support, paternity, housing, public benefits, and more. Apply for help by phone, online intake form, or in person at the NLSP Headquarters office (check website for office hours).
Neighborhood Legal Services Program (NLSP) - Headquarters
URL: https://www.nlsp.org/
Provides free legal information, advice, and representation in civil legal matters to low-income District of Columbia residents. Services include help obtaining domestic violence protection orders, custody, divorce, child support, paternity, housing, public benefits, and more. Apply for help by phone, online intake form, or in person at the NLSP Headquarters office (check website for office hours).
Network for Victim Recovery DC (NVRDC)
Email: info@nvrdc.org
The Network for Victim Recover of DC (NVRDC) provides free services to survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, dating violence, and stalking. NVRDC attorneys provide direct representation in civil protection orders cases and Title IX administrative hearings, and defend victims’ rights in the criminal justice process. NVRDC also offers legal clinics for D.C. college and university survivors, and an anonymous clinic for crime victims’ rights.
Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia Domestic Violence & Special Victims Section
URL: https://oag.dc.gov/about-oag/our-structure-divisions/public-safety-division/dome…
Represents survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and elder abuse. They help with obtaining: civil protection orders, extreme risk protection orders, and guardians/conservators for abused or neglected older adults.
The Safe Sisters Circle
URL: https://www.safesisterscircle.org/
Email: legalservices@safesisterscircle.org
Supports Black women survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse primarily living in Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C. Legal services include representation in obtaining civil protection orders and in divorce, custody, and child support matters. They also provide assistance navigating the criminal justice system.
