Blog

From the Executive Director

Not everyone is safer at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. As victims of domestic violence are trapped inside with their abuser, and the financial impacts of the pandemic have stressed already tense situations, police have seen alarming increases in reports of domestic violence. But it is not a hopeless situation. Throughout the pandemic our attorneys have fought for the safety of our clients and their children, helping them obtain divorces, protective orders, and custody arrangements that allow them an opportunity to thrive beyond their current situation. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we join advocates nationwide in uniting in our efforts to end domestic violence and support survivors.

Thank you for your continued support in the fight for fairness!

Laura Tuggle

Executive Director

T.R. fled to Louisiana with her infant to escape her abusive husband. Even after serving jail time for domestic violence, he continued to wreak havoc in her life, sending incessant harassing calls and emails, and threatening to come to Louisiana to take the child back. Her SLLS attorney was able to first get a protective order and temporary sole custody of the child, and eventually persuade the judge to make parts of the protective order permanent. Now T.R. can have peace of mind for herself, and her child, knowing that if her abuser ever contacts her again, he can be prosecuted for it.

SLLS Baton Rouge Office Directing Attorney Talya Bergeron with CAFJC Executive Director Renee Craft and East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome

We were thrilled to join the Capital Area Family Justice Center for their grand opening this week. SLLS will have an attorney on-site as part of a one stop collaborative approach to supporting survivors of domestic violence. At the Family Justice Center, survivors will be able to meet with attorneys, social workers, law enforcement, and other community support agencies all in one building. 

The last week in October marks the annual National Celebration of Pro Bono. Every year we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of volunteer attorneys who give of their time, often on the weekends, to meet the needs of the clients we serve. In 2019 the over 700 hours of Pro Bono volunteer time was valued at over $1,000,000 in market value.

This year's theme is "Rising to Meet the Challenge: Pro Bono Responds to COVID-19." Hayley Landry, an associate with Liskow & Lewis, has been volunteering with our socially distant In Forma Pauperis Clinic during the pandemic, helping clients navigate court processes without filing fees. 

Thank you to Hayley, and all of our volunteer attorneys, pro bono partners, law student, and other volunteers who give of their time in the fight for fairness! 

If you are interested in volunteering, or want to know more, contact Elena Perez.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to make the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Baton Rouge and New Orleans "Bar Exam" events. While we won't be able to have the events in person, we didn't want to pass up an opportunity to recognize all of our partners and sponsors who have made the event possible. Follow us on social media this weekend and help us thank our Baton Rouge sponsors for their support in the fight for fairness! 

• Millions of Americans may not be able to pay their rent in October. What to do if you’re one of them - CNBC
• If You or Someone You Know is Facing Eviction, Here’s Some Good News –And Where to Find Help in U.S. - Good News Network
• With New Orleans evictions stalled, tenant-landlord tension builds: 'We're both losing' - Times Picayune
• Hours and in-person sessions are expanding at Orleans Parish Libraries - Times Picayune
• Library, legal services agency holding webinars advising those facing unemployment, eviction - St. Charles Herald Guide