“Susan” was abused and battered by her husband, “John,” for years. One day she walked into ChildLaw Services and said she wanted the abuse to stop. ChildLaw staff helped Susan get a protective order, shelter, and the support services she and her young son needed to be safe. John wanted nothing to do with the child until Susan fought for sole custody. ChildLaw Services represented Susan’s son throughout the custody dispute. During this time, we provided counseling services for the son and performed a custody evaluation. In addition, we assisted John in entering a local batterer’s intervention program.
In the 4 ½ years since Susan walked into our office, she has completed law school and started a new life with her son. She is now clerking for a local circuit court judge while she awaits the results of her WV State Bar Exam.
Jeff (6) and Paul (8) were required by Court Order to visit with their mother’s abusive, alcoholic ex-husband every other weekend. CLS gave Jeff and Paul the autonomy and strength they needed to testify about the abuse and was able to get the Court Order lifted. Without their own attorney, Jeff and Paul might not have been able to testify and would have continued to be subjected to abuse.
Anna was raped by her stepfather. When she revealed her abuse, her mother called the state police, who immediately began an investigation and referred Anna to CLS.
CLS assisted the family by obtaining immediate protection from the abuser and referred them for trauma counseling services. Anna continued to work with CLS when her abuser was indicted to help her understand how the criminal justice system works and to prepare her for the trial.
The trauma of enduring a criminal trial could be very damaging for a child, with representation from CLS, Anna had an added advantage to insure her abuser is punished and she emerges strengthened from her experience.
