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Legal Aid may be able to assist survivors of domestic violence
by Tonya Sams (Plain Press November 2025) Even though financial, emotional, and mental abuse can be considered domestic violence, when interacting with the legal system it is important to understand what the legal definition is, especially if you are seeking a protection order. “The law defines domestic violence as causing physical harm to…
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Get a fresh start in 2024 with Legal Aid
by Tonya Sams Happy New Year! With a new year is an opportunity for a fresh start and The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland can help! Legal Aid has been offering free civil legal services to those with low incomes (up to 200% federal poverty guideline) since 1905 – the fifth oldest legal…
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Housing protections for survivors of domestic violence
by Allison K. Younger (Plain Press, November 2023) If you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and you live in public housing, have a housing voucher or if your housing is otherwise supported by the federal government, then the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protects your rights as…
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Civil protection orders can help keep domestic violence survivors safe
Civil protection orders can help keep domestic violence survivors safe by Tonya Sams (Plain Press, October 2022) Survivors of domestic violence may need to take extra precautions after leaving their abuser. Filing a civil protection order (CPO) is one way that you can protect yourself. A CPO can be filed with the Domestic Relations…
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Domestic violence is more than physical abuse; help is available
Domestic violence is more than physical abuse; help is available by Tonya Sams (Plain Press, January 2022) Many people think the label “domestic violence” applies only to violent acts against a lover, but it is much more than that. Domestic violence describes regular, consistent acts of physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse. It not only occurs…
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The Elephant in The Room
Living with the Bear “Over and over again in my practice I saw kids who had experienced terrifying situations. For one patient, the bear was his dad who verbally demeaned and physically abused his mom.” — Nadine Harris, M.D. The Elephant in The Room To the Editor: (Plain Press, September 2020) Cultures across our nation…
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Speakers at Women’s March Cleveland 2020 address social justice and women’s rights
PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Saturday, January 18, 2020; Women’s March Cleveland 2020 Rally, Cleveland City Hall, E. 6th and Lakeside: A 17-year-old Cleveland Heights High School student inspires the crowd singing Alicia Keys’ song “Girl on Fire”. PHOTO BY CHUCK HOVEN Saturday, January 18, 2020; Women’s March Cleveland 2020, Cleveland City Hall, E. 6th and…