Opening Statement From

CCLA's Executive Director

Dear Friends,

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that affects countless families in our community. Domestic violence is not just a private tragedy, but a profound social crisis that impacts the safety, well-being, and future of survivors and their children. At Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA), our Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit stands on the frontlines, working tirelessly to provide support, advocacy, and legal services to those in need.

Every day, our team of dedicated attorneys and advocates offers a lifeline to survivors, helping them navigate the complex legal system, secure protection, and regain control of their lives. We understand that the effects of domestic violence ripple beyond the immediate physical harm, often leading to long-term emotional, financial, and legal challenges. That's why we are committed to not only protecting survivors, but also empowering them to rebuild and thrive.

Our Family & Victims of Crime Unit addresses these needs with a holistic approach, offering services that include representation for Injunction for Protection (restraining order) cases, paternity and divorce matters, and ensuring access to safe housing. We collaborate closely with local shelters, social workers, and community organizations to create a network of care that puts survivors' needs first.

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I urge you to join us in standing with survivors. Whether through volunteering, spreading awareness, or supporting Coast to Coast Legal Aid’s domestic violence program, together, we can help break the cycle of violence and make a real difference in the lives of families who need it most.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to this critical cause.

Warm regards,

CCLA Advocacy

Breaks the Cycle of

Family Violence

CCLA's award-winning Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit plays a critical role in providing legal support and protection for survivors of domestic violence. By offering free legal representation for cases involving injunctions for protection (restraining orders), divorce, paternity, timesharing, and enforcement of victims' rights in the criminal cases against their abusers, the Unit ensures that victims can escape abusive situations without the fear of losing their children or financial stability. CCLA’s work not only empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of abuse, but also helps to foster safer and more stable homes for families.

Read Stories of CCLA's

Advocacy On Our Blog

Breaking the Cycle

Watch CCLA's Latest Episode of Legal Learning: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Tips for Victims & Survivors

Legal Learning Video: Tips for Injunctions for Protection, Family Cases, & Criminal Cases DVAM

CCLA In The Community

CCLA attended the 2024 Kinship Family Conference where we presented our legal services and provided information to relative caregivers. CCLA's Senior Law Unit provides free civil legal services to Broward County grandparents & relative caregivers age 55+ who have a minor child in their home. CCLA attended the Self-Represented Litigation Network Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. We explored and developed successful strategies and new thinking for providing 100% access to justice for all, including pro se litigants. The Broward Sheriff's Office awarded CCLA a Law Enforcement Trust Fund grant for our Family Law & Victims of Crime Unit. CCLA's Senior Law Unit talked about our about our Senior Housing Stability Project at the Miramar Multi-Service Complex with GJFS. CCLA's Hilary Creary launched the Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association at Nova Southeastern University's College of Law. CCLA walked in the 3rd Annual Human Trafficking Awareness A21 Walk For Freedom Fort Lauderdale.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), CCLA attorneys helped plan the Broward Domestic Violence Council's Annual Training for October 25th, Start by Believing - Understanding the Reality of Sexual Violence in Intimate Partner Violence Dynamics. CCLA is providing the CLE credits. CCLA participated in the Broward Victim's Rights Coalition's DVAM Bowling to Strike Out Crime fundraiser and won big! That's how we roll. In addition, for DVAM, CCLA aired a Legal Learning episode, Tips for Victims; we discuss tips for filing injunctions, timesharing considerations, and tips for when you have a civil case(s) and a criminal case against the abuser. Watch on CCLA's Facebook page or on our YouTube channel @ccla_sfl.

CCLA recognizes the significance of our staff being experts in their field and the importance of CCLA being at the forefront of issues that affect our clients and community.

We enjoy being a part of this community and look forward to engaging with more community members and providers as the year continues. If you would like CCLA to attend an event, conduct an outreach, or you have a topic you'd like us to address in an episode of Legal Learning on CCLA's Facebook page and YouTube channel, please contact us at: CCLAInfo@legalaid.org.

Check out our Community Outreach page.

Community Outreach

For The Public Good Recap

On October 17th, we celebrated our 22nd Annual For The Public Good at the Margaritaville Resort. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors for their dedication and support. Your generosity makes a profound impact on access to justice in our community. The commitment demonstrated by all who sponsored and attended allows us to provide essential legal aid to those in need, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has a voice in the legal system. Together, we celebrate the power of collaboration in uplifting lives and fostering access to justice for all.