Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Defending Survivors’ Rights to Help and Protection

Ms. Vinson is a proud vigilant mother committed to the well-being of her two young children and protecting them from their father’s violence.   

She tried to get legal protection on her own but quickly realized she needed a legal expert to help.  After she was physically attacked by her ex-boyfriend and then arrested when he falsely accused her of being the aggressor, she sought protection and filed for a restraining order and custody of the children.  She tried to represent herself in court but was unable to navigate the court process alone.  As she described,  

“When I went in there by myself prior to getting an attorney, I thought I knew what I was doing but in actuality I had very little knowledge of how the court system works.” 

Ms. Vinson sought BayLegal’s help.  BayLegal Family Law Attorney represented her in explaining the true details of when she was attacked, including the abusive manipulation of law enforcement, the history of abuse and need for legal protection for herself and the children.  After a hearing, Ms. Vinson was granted a five-year domestic violence restraining order, sole custody and a safe visitation order.  

For long-term self-sufficiency and safety, it was also important to address the wrongful arrest on her record.  Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for survivors to face wrongful arrests, even charges, or false allegations in civil restraining orders filed by their abusers resulting in barriers to employment, housing and stability and placing a survivor at risk of having to return to an abuser for financial support. BayLegal’s Reentry Attorney, who focuses on working with individuals impacted by the criminal legal system, stepped in to advocate for the arrest record to be sealed and destroyed.   

BayLegal is proud to use our legal expertise to help and stand with Ms. Vinson, and other survivors like her, as she took courageous steps to escape abuse, get help, protect her children and build a new future of peace and safety.  She is an inspiration and her words are powerful:  

“I was in such numbness. It affected me, in addition to affecting my children. They didn’t know what was going on… but now, my focus is on me and my children. They’re happy and I had the strength to move forward with my life.”