Service Spotlight
Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association as "an emotional response to a terrible event." Recognizing the prevalence of trauma among our client population, as well as the impact on client communications and how information is processed, PWJC attorneys use trauma-informed principles to work with victims/survivors. They take the opportunity to consider what might be happening from the victim/survivor perspective and apply practical strategies to help obtain the appropriate legal remedies and reduce
re-traumatization. The result is a higher level of trust, clients that feel supported, and know they can reach out to PWJC in the future.
For example, in 2019, Lisa, a former client, and mother of 3, called our main line because she was getting harassing texts from her former partner. With the help of PWJC's Family Court Legal Program, she received a protective order which led to a 5-year order of protection from her partner who had physically abused her, and stolen her property and documents. However, two years later, after moving and starting a new life with her three children, she started receiving communications by text from her abuser once again. He no longer lives in Westchester. Lisa* was immediately connected with our Walk-In Clinic program for a review of her Order of Protection, evaluation of the incident to determine if the protective order was violated and legal advice on the options available to her in reporting a violation of the order of protection. PWJC will continue to work with Lisa to obtain the appropriate legal remedies to protect her and her children, now and in the future.
* Name changed to protect confidentiality
| 
