Leaving is Only the Beginning
For many survivors, escaping abuse is not the end of the struggle, but the beginning of a new one.
After finding safety, survivors often face a maze of legal challenges: divorce, custody disputes, parenting time hearings, personal protection orders, housing issues, and financial recovery. The legal system’s intent is to provide resolution and protection, but it can also become another avenue through which an abusive partner exerts power and control.
Justice Has a Price Tag
In 2011, the University of Wisconsin-Madison studied 103 DV survivors, of those women all but one of them (99%) reported economic abuse. Economic abuse (commonly referred to as “financial abuse”) is often cited as a reason why a survivor stays in an abusive relationship.
The average Kent County household earns approximately $82,600 per year. A “household” includes the primary earner, their spouse, and any dependents. In many cases involving economic abuse this means one person is making all, or substantially more, of the household’s income. It is not uncommon for a survivor to not have access to joint finances. Many survivors who do have access, don’t believe it’s safe to access it after leaving. Economic abuse is not limited to one form, but the result is always the same – financial instability for a survivor.
To secure legal representation, in the Grand Rapids area, for a contested divorce with minor children generally requires a retainer of $5,000 – $15,000. When faced with the cost of representation, many survivors make the difficult decision to represent themselves. Though less, the upfront cost of Pro Per representation is still significant.
- Paperwork from the Legal Assistance Center… $30
- Copies of divorce packet (10+ pages each)… $40
- Consultation with an attorney… $25 – $100
- Filing fee… $275
- Service… $20+ (Certified mail) or $100+ (Process server)
Total upfront cost… $390 – $545
Why Domestic Violence Cases are Different
Domestic violence cases are rarely simple. Couple that with a significant income disparity and what generally ends up happening is an assailant with representation, and a survivor representing themselves; in many cases, juggling multiple systems at one time: divorce, personal protection orders, eviction, and possibly criminal proceedings.
In many cases involving domestic violence, litigation is often weaponized to maintain control, create financial strain, and keep survivors trapped in ongoing conflict. What appears to be a legal disagreement on paper may actually be another form of abuse in practice.
This is why Safe Haven Ministries is proud to introduce our new Legal Services Coordinator.
The Role of the Legal Services Coordinator
While legal advocates do not provide legal representation or give legal advice, they help survivors understand and navigate the legal system.
Our Legal Services Coordinator can:
- Explain court processes and terminology.
- Help survivors prepare for hearings.
- Prepare court documents and/or motions.
- Assist with safety planning around legal matters.
- Provide emotional support during legal proceedings.
- Help survivors understand their options and rights.
- Connect survivors with legal resources.
- Coordinate with community partners to reduce barriers.
For many survivors, having someone walk alongside them through the legal process can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.
A More Accessible Path Forward
Not every survivor can afford an attorney, but every survivor deserves access to information, support, and someone who understands how abuse impacts legal outcomes. The addition of our Legal Services Coordinator strengthens our commitment to ensuring survivors are not forced to navigate complicated legal systems alone.
Safety is more than leaving. Safety means having the support necessary to rebuild, recover, and move forward.
Legal Services Coordinator
Courtney Ward, JD
Courtney received her Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan at Cooley Law School in 2015.
Prior to coming to Safe Haven, she spent three years as the Legal Advocate for the YWCA West Central Michigan.