The University-affiliated Lane County Domestic Violence Clinic received a federal grant this month that will keep the organization’s services running until 2008, according to a press release.
The $250,000 grant will help fund legal services, such as protection, child custody and support, that University law students, attorneys and advocates offer to low-income domestic violence victims.
The clinic didn’t receive any federal funding last year.
“Because of our domestic violence clinic, many abuse victims in this county can get free legal help when they need it,” said University law professor Merle Weiner, who helped develop the clinic. “This grant secures the clinic until at least 2008, and allows us time to raise funds for this desperately needed service for the long term.”
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Legal Assistance to Victims program funds the grant.
The department has warned Weiner that future funding may not be possible.
The University’s School of Law established the clinic with Lane County Legal Aid, Women-space and Sexual Assault Support Services.
– Lindsay Funston