A new volunteer group is hoping to help victims of domestic violence navigate the legal system.
A group of lawyers has formed Are You Safe, a nonprofit group that pairs victims of domestic violence with lawyers who specialize in family law. The lawyers work pro bono and volunteer their time through the entire process of the case.
"The legal system can be a scary place for many people," said volunteer and lawyer Lara Davis. She recently opened a law firm in Carrollwood where she grew up. "I've seen many women come into the courthouse and they really don't know what to do."
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, a time when groups such as Are You Safe try to raise awareness about the problem. According to The Spring of Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County has the highest domestic violence rate in the state.
Between January and May, 2,971 people were booked in the Hillsborough County jail on domestic violence-related charges and 11,187 emergency calls were dispatched related to domestic violence.
Davis said she is one of about 25 lawyers who volunteer in the program and the group is always looking for more help. The organization began earlier this year, formed by lawyers Natalie Baird, Miriam Velez, Cory Baird and Jason Valkenburg.
"We each handle about two cases a year because it can be a time-consuming process," Davis said. "That's why we're always looking for other attorneys who want to get involved."
Victims must meet certain economic requirements to qualify for the program. They can get help either by visiting the group's Web site at www.r-u-safe.org or by e-mailing r.u.safe.tampa @gmail.com. Also, victims can contact Bay Area Legal Services or the Family Justice Center. Both organizations refer victims to the service.
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