At the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, we understand that having to face an abuser in court is an extremely stressful matter that is only compounded by the hardship of navigating the legal system alone. We are happy to provide assistance in this area to ease the burdens of survivors who are working to heal and create a new narrative for themselves after they have had the strength to leave an abusive situation.
“But the hardest thing for me was showing up at court, seeing my abuser, hearing his voice, feeling weak in the knees. The biggest help has been the court advocate at the NWA Women’s Shelter showing up in court for me. The court services that you offer are so valuable. If you need another presence there, I just let you know, and you show up for me.”
~Karen, NWAWS client
Court Advocacy FAQ’s
According to Arkansas Legal Services, “To get an Order of Protection, go to the Circuit Clerk’s office at the county courthouse in the county where you currently live or where the abuser currently lives, or where the abuse happened; or where the domestic abuse shelter you are staying at is. Tell the court clerk you want to apply for an Order of Protection.” Orders of Protection are unique in the sense that, no matter what state you receive on in, it is valid in all 50 U.S. states, Indian territories, and Puerto Rico.
We have detailed information supplied by third party experts that outline the differences and help you to determine what is best for your needs. Please contact the NWA Women’s Shelter for assistance.
If you are in need of court advocacy or support—as an in-shelter client OR an outreach client—please call us at 479-246-0353 or email info@nwaws.org, and we will connect you with our Court Advocate.
At the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter, we understand that going to court in domestic violence related cases can be stressful, intimidating, or traumatizing. Needing support during this time is normal. If you are in need of someone from the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter to accompany you to court, we evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis.
The answer to this depends on their circumstances but some of the resources available are as follows:
- Set up Legal Aid intake through the shelter and attend with client;
- Provide a list of low cost attorneys or a referral to pro-bono attorney;
- Describe and help navigate court procedure;
- Provide support and assistance with court hearings;
- Resource information to programs such as Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program;
- Explain how and where to access case information;
- Supply information regarding victim’s rights;
- Access to additional resources that coincide with court matters (counseling, medical, etc.);
- Provide information about the different legal avenues a client may encounter;
- Provide guidance and support throughout the criminal and domestic justice system process; and
- Safety planning specifically designed to mitigate heightened tensions that may arise during court matters.
Disclaimer
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS WOMEN’S SHELTER CANNOT AND WILL NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. BY USE OF THIS SITE AND COURT ADVOCACY SERVICES, CLIENT AGREES THAT NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED OR OTHERWISE UTILIZED AS LEGAL ADVICE.