Spotlight on Safety

Domestic Violence Prevention

Yan (right), seated with her attorney, shares her advice to other survivors: “Be brave; speak up; and seek help from organizations like BayLegal.”

“I was in a very dark place,” Yan recalled of her first visit to Bay Area Legal Aid.

Yan’s abusive ex had not only attacked her, but also hurt her one-year-old child, and her elderly mother. Yan had filed a temporary restraining order, but she was unable to afford an attorney and was left unrepresented in court. Living in fear for her family’s continued safety, Yan felt she had nowhere to turn. China’s strict family-planning laws which impose steep fines on single mothers, in addition to the social stigma, made returning to her home country impossible.

With the help of Mandarin interpreters, Yan was quickly connected with a lawyer
experienced in family law and domestic violence matters. Her lawyer not only provided legal help in securing a Domestic Violence restraining order and primary physical custody of her child, but also emotional support to overcome her isolation and fear.

“Today I can go to school, I can get child support, and I can live independently. Because I got support from Bay Area Legal Aid legally and mentally, they really made my life change… I know that I can live a safe life in the US right now.”

– Yan, Bay Area Legal Aid Client

Our Reach

Bay Area Legal Aid provides free legal help for over 60,000 individuals every year.

[fa type=”pie-chart”] 47% of cases involve children
[fa type=”pie-chart”] 27% have experienced domestic violence
[fa type=”pie-chart”] 25% speak a language other than English

Your generous support provides legal advice, counsel, and advocacy to ensure Bay Area residents can live in safe homes, free from violence.