Associated Press
Campaign Pays for Victims' Legal Representation
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Victims of domestic violence will have
access to quality legal representation through a campaign
undertaken by Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Linda Copple Trout
and corporate leaders.
"Thousands of times a year, Idahoans are victims of domestic
violence. The victims are often women and their children and they
frequently have few resources with which to pursue their legal
rights," Trout said Tuesday.
"This campaign helps fill that gap in legal services for women
who need the help at a time when they are in crisis."
The Idaho Partners for Justice Project has already secured
pledges of more than $35,000 from law firms, attorneys,
corporations and individuals. The goal is $100,000. The drive to
pay for free legal services will continue for the next two
months.
The money goes to Idaho Legal Aid Services and the Idaho
Volunteer Lawyers Program.
Last year, more than 5,000 petitions were filed in Idaho for
protection orders in domestic violence cases. More than 12,000
victims contacted shelters or crisis hotlines.
Joining Trout in the announcement was Idaho Bar Association
President Fred Hoopes of Idaho Falls and Ida-West Energy Co. Chief
Executive Officer Randy Hill, members of the project's executive
committee. Also on hand were some women who were victims of such
violence, but benefited from free legal services.
Last year's campaign generated enough money and resources to
help more than 450 victims. The help ranged from representation in
protection order hearings to legal assistance in divorce,
visitation and child support cases. The donations are tax
deductible.
