Partnership to help domestic violence survivors
For many domestic violence survivors, finding help can feel overwhelming. Each year Casa Pinellas provides a range of services to 3,000 of them. But as demand continues to grow with complex cases, the organization is expanding its reach in a new way.Â
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To help bridge that gap, CASA has partnered with Stetson University College of Law, bringing nine law students on board this semester.
CASA leaders say financial abuse is present in nearly all domestic violence cases, often leaving survivors without access to money or the ability to hire a private attorney.
The new partnership allows law students to assist with real cases, observe court proceedings, and draft legal documents, helping expand services while gaining hands-on experience.
The partnership is also extending beyond direct legal services.
Law students from Stetson are contributing to that effort, helping build a tool that can be used across the legal system.
CASA Pinellas CEO Lariana Forsythe says the Family Justice Center was designed to make help more accessible in one place, but legal needs continue to grow. She said, «It really runs the gamut of how somebody could use and weaponize something for a survivor that they would have legal problems.
Stetson Law Vice Dean Jason Palmer said, «The synergy was there, I mean it was a natural partnership.»
CASA leaders say the program is just beginning, with hopes to grow the partnership and further expand legal services and prevention efforts for survivors across the region.
