Rape Survivors Law Project
What to Expect When You Take a Case
As a pro bono attorney with the Rape Survivors’ Law Project (RSLP) you will become a powerful legal ally in a sexual assault victim’s recovery. You will provide zealous, pro bono advocacy and work with your client to try to minimize the impact of the complex legal problems triggered by sexual assault, including:
● privacy violations
● physical safety threats
● school accommodations
● employment sanctions
● financial harms
● housing problems
● immigration concerns
Getting to Know Your Client
Victims’ attorneys face many challenges, not the least of which is learning to understand each victim’s unique perspective. For some, privacy is paramount. For others, being able to stay in their home or stay in school. At the start of each case, you will spend time learning and supporting your client’s specific needs and priorities. Ultimately, the relationship you form with your client becomes an important piece of his/her recovery.
Practice Cutting-Edge Law
Rape survivors’ civil representation is a fascinating and emerging area of law that our attorneys must shape to meet the needs of our clients. As a volunteer attorney, you may use legal theories in new ways and make cutting-edge arguments to judges. You may be creating new standards or changing outmoded procedures.
The United States Constitution guarantees that all criminal defendants are entitled to zealous representation. At the Victim Rights Law Center, we believe rape and sexual assault victims deserve the same. As a RSLP volunteer, you may have the opportunity to:
● Evaluate your client’s case for privacy, education, employment, safety, immigration and other issues.
● Conduct direct and cross-examinations of witnesses and the defendant.
● Provide representation in Superior or District Court.
● Prevent the release of clients’ private records and information and shield your client’s medical and mental health records from subpoenas.
● Prepare your client for a school disciplinary process or obtain an educational accommodation.
● Negotiate with school, employment and housing officials, as well as the perpetrator’s counsel, to settle claims before they reach final adjudication.
A recent legislative victory for sexual violence victims in Massachusetts was the passage of the new Harassment Protection Order G.L. c. 258E in January 2010. This law closes the gap that was created by the existing restraining order law (209A) by allowing victims of non-intimate partner sexual violence eligibility for a criminally enforceable protective order. This law became effective in May 2010 and VRLC pro bono attorneys have been at the forefront of insuring victims of non-intimate sexual violence are provided this new protection.
With your help, we can give rape survivors what they need—a voice. Defendants are entitled to zealous advocates. Victims deserve the same.