Legal Advocacy

Legal Advocacy

If you are a victim of sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, child abuse, harassment, financial coercion, or of other related crimes, the Middle Way House Legal Advocate team is available to assist you.

Middle Way House Legal Advocate offices are located at the New Wings location (338 S. Washington Street, Bloomington, Indiana)  Monday – Friday 8AM – 6PM and they will work with clients over the phone and in person.

In 2016, 9 out of 10 people who consulted with MWH legal advocates were NOT residents of the shelter or the MWH Rise! transitional housing. Our legal advocates serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and harassment in all six of the counties we serve (Monroe, Greene, Lawrence, Owen, Morgan, and Martin).

Advocates assist clients in filling out divorce petitions, motions to assist, and protective orders. They will discuss custody and visitation options, making referrals to pro bono and reduced fee programs, private attorneys, therapists and other resources. Advocates can also assist clients who are eligible for victims’ compensation in pursuing that relief.

Advocates and trained legal program volunteers accompany victims to court hearings and case-related appointments to provide emotional support. Volunteers monitor court hearings and assist advocates as needed.

MWH Legal advocates participate in the Domestic Violence Task Force (DVTF) and the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). The MWH legal advocacy office coordinates services with the Protective Order Project, at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, which provides assistance with volunteer attorney back-up for persons seeking protective orders, and the Monroe County Clerks Office for victims who are self-petitioning.

Middle Way House Legal Advocates also work in partnership with the Protective Order Assistance Partnership. POAP provides free assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Assistance can include safety planning, resource referral and help in completing a petition for a Protective Order to be submitted to a Judge. This is a partnership between the Monroe County Clerk’s Office Middle Way House, Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office, IU Bloomington School of Social Work, an IU Maurer School of Law’s Protective Order Project.

Outside of Monroe County, advocates are available in the Middle Way offices in Greene, Owen and Martin counties.

Contact Middle Way House Legal Advocates at (812) 333-7404 to set up an appointment.

Valuable resources:

The Protective Order Assistance Partnership (POAP  is located in the Monroe County Clerk’s Office on the first floor of the Zietlow Justice Center (NW corner of College Ave. and 7th Street). Parking is available in the Morton Street Parking garage between 7th and 8th Street (free for first 3 hours). Hours: M-F 8:00am – 4:00pm, closed all Monroe County Government Holidays. Phone: (812) 349-2614

This is a walk-in service only, no appointments. Services:  assistance for individuals seeking orders of protection from the court; filing petitions for protective orders; safety planning; referrals to cProtective order assistants do not give legal advice.ommunity services. Eligibility:  Individuals victimized by family violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking. Cost:  Free

Protective Order Project
211 S. Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-4800
pop@indiana.edu
www.law.indiana.edu/pop
Intakes between 12-1pm, M-F

Indiana Legal Services
214 S. College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 339-7668 or toll free: (800) 822-4774
Phone intakes Tues 1:30PM – 4:30PM; Thurs 10:00AM – 1:00PM
For divorce, there must be DV and children
www.indianajustice.org

District 10 Pro Bono Project
PO Box 8382
Bloomington, IN 47407
(812) 339-3610
rala.dist10probono@gmail.com
www.d10probono.org