In response to her boyfriend’s verbal abuse, “Catherine” asked him to move out.  He responded by throwing a flat-screen television box down the stairs at her, hitting their 1-year-old in the head.  Catherine scooped up her toddler and ran to the medicine cabinet.  The boyfriend followed and grabbed her by the throat. In the scuffle, Catherine managed to dial 911. 

Her abuser was arrested and charged with assault and battery.  But as soon as he was released on bail, he pressed charges against her for assault and battery.  

 Working with Catherine’s court-appointed attorney in the case against her, a VLAS attorney obtained a two-year Protective Order that prohibited all contact with Catherine and her child and gave her exclusive possession of her rental home.  Catherine and her son are now safe from their abuser.

VLAS fights every day for people like Catherine who are escaping domestic violence. Our work includes protective orders, divorce, custody and other family issues. 

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of clients