On Friday, July 8th, REACH hosted Mithra Merriman from Greater Boston Legal Services along with seven law students who volunteered to meet with 13 survivors. These law students met with survivors of domestic abuse who have been working with REACH advocates and provided them with much needed legal advice. Advocates provided transportation, childcare, and translation services to facilitate the program.
One of the lawyers who participated stated:
"As a Peruvian-American, feminist, and immigrant rights activist, I'm passionate about serving Latinx survivors of domestic violence and informing them about their legal rights. I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with GBLS' Family Law Unit and volunteer with REACH to give back to my community."
The survivors were extremely grateful to have the opportunity to meet with law students and have a chance to talk about their complicated family law and immigration cases. One survivor stated:
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet with an attorney. For the first time in my case, I was able to talk to someone that could explain to me my legal rights in my divorce and immigration case. Now I feel empowered to continue with the process. Thank you REACH.”
For victims, legal advice is extremely important as they navigate the legal system, often for the very first time. To have a legal expert available to answer specific questions, goes a long way in giving survivors confidence and the support they need. REACH is eager to hold more of these legal workshops for survivors!
