Highland Park-Highwood Legal Aid Clinic Receives Grant

From The Highland Park- Highwood Legal Aid Clinic: The Highland Park- Highwood Legal Aid Clinic (the Clinic) is the recipient of a generous grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park (HFHP) for the third consecutive year. This grant will once again be used to provide victims of domestic violence with direct pro bono legal representation and help address the physical and mental health of victims of domestic violence.

“The Clinic appreciates the longtime support and partnership with the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park,” stated Executive Director Susan Shulman. “Domestic violence is a public health issue, knows no socioeconomic bounds, is widely prevalent. We are pleased to be an accessible resource for those escaping abusive relationships and are proud to provide direct, confidential services to victims and their families.”

Research shows that access to legal services substantially reduces domestic violence and can improve physical and mental health outcomes, as well as perceptions by victims of increased safety and control over their bodies and their lives. According to the World Health Organization, “In addition to physical injury, violence can lead to life-long mental and physical health problems, social and occupational impairment and increased risk of being a victim and/or perpetrator of further violence.” Legal services are a form of intervention to help protect a persons health and break the cycle of violence.

Service provided by the Clinic include, but are not limited to, legal representation for Orders of Protection and family law cases, as well as education and counseling about the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) and the various state and federal laws that affect families. The Clinic works closely with partner agencies and local officials to provide a full range of services to provide domestic violence victims and their families services and help prevent violence from occurring.

Image via Shutterstock