Does your client need legal help? Make a referral to CLAVC.
To qualify for CLAVC services, your client must be a victim or survivor or crime, and have a civil legal problem that results from that crime. Also, your client must live, or the legal problem must be, in Massachusetts.
Search for CLAVC programs by county.
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How can my client get help from CLAVC?
- Your client can apply directly to a CLAVC legal aid program by calling or applying online. Use this search tool to find the CLAVC program that serves your client’s town. This is the fastest way for your client to get help.
- If your client can’t apply directly, you can make a referral. Important: make sure that your client knows that you are making the referral and has given you permission to do so.
Frequently asked questions about eligibility for legal help from CLAVC:
Q. My client was a victim of an assault but she never reported it to the police because she was afraid. Does this count as a crime?
A. Yes. The crime does not have to have been reported to the police or prosecuted in any way.
Q. Does it matter if the crime was committed in another country?
A. It does not matter where the crime was committed. Clients who are victims of crimes perpetrated against them in other countries or states may receive CLAVC Initiative services if otherwise eligible. Clients must be current residents of Massachusetts, or the legal issue must be taking place in Massachusetts (for example, pending in a Massachusetts court.)
Q. Can CLAVC help my client in criminal court?
A. CLAVC attorneys help people with their civil – non criminal – legal problems. Every county in Massachusetts has a District Attorney’s Office responsible for prosecuting crimes which occurred in that county. These offices have Victim Witness Advocates available to help crime victims and survivors. For a listing of District Attorneys’ Offices in Massachusetts, please click here.
Learn more about legal issues
People who are surviving the trauma of crime may have many legal issues resulting from the crime that can’t be solved in the criminal court. See our Legal Rights page to learn more.
Other resources for advocates:
- Working with crime victims
- Support and self care
- Download a flyer about CLAVC in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Vietnamese.