Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
DVI Legal Clinic services are free, voluntary, and confidential.
No bills are sent for our services so there is no paper trail that could get back to the individual committing the abuse or violence. We will listen without judgment, while offering information and support.
Services are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
The Domestic Violence Legal Clinic (DVI Legal Clinic), part of the law school’s Domestic Violence Institute, focuses on violence prevention, restraining order enforcement and criminal intervention in Dorchester Municipal Court, Boston’s largest community court. Students interview and counsel clients, and advocate in the courtroom.
Professor Margo Lindauer heads both the DVI Legal Clinic and the Domestic Violence Institute, an education, service and research organization dedicated to combating partner abuse and sexual assault.
The Domestic Violence Institute is a resource for victims of domestic violence, and anyone seeking information or help with domestic violence. Students and Attorneys in our DVI Legal Clinic may provide representation in legal matters ranging from obtaining Abuse Prevention Orders to consultation on issues such as:
Safety planning;
Advocacy, information and referral services;
Help identifying resources for things like food, housing, child care, and other necessities;
Help locating mental health counseling and legal services;
Applying for Victim Compensation if eligible.
You may contact the DVI Legal Clinic during normal business hours at (857) 327-7650. If you are unable to reach a person directly, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Although the courthouse is closed to the public, victims of domestic violence can still file for a protection order. The DV Legal Clinic is available to assist individuals and provide resources DAY(S) from TIME through the website.
The website is monitored in person on Fridays, 9am-4pm. We will respond to all intake forms as soon as possible.
If you need Emergency Assistance, call 911. If you are not in immediate danger, but still need assistance or services, you can call SafeLink at (877) 785-2020, Casa Myrna Vasquez at (800) 992-2600, or see Jane Doe's list of Massachusetts domestic violence programs.