Is access to legal services a problem in rural areas?
Domestic violence survivors may be in need of legal assistance for protection orders, divorces, child custody proceedings and other legal matters that are a consequence of abuse or violence. In rural areas, it can be more difficult to find an affordable lawyer or legal aid. Law enforcement and the courts in rural communities may be less familiar with issues of domestic violence and appropriate responses. For a list of legal aid services in your state, please see the Legal Services Corporation’s list of LSC-funded programs. To learn about providing free legal services in rural areas, please see the publication Rural Pro Bono Delivery: A Guide to Pro Bono Legal Services in Rural Areas.
