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Injunction For Protection Legal Project

If you or a family member have been the victim of violence or stalking by another person, we can help.

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Free Legal Assistance for Injunctions (Restraining Orders) and Dependency Cases

If you or a family member have been the victim of violence or stalking by another person, we can help. Taking legal action against an abuser is an important step in keeping you and your family safe. Obtaining an attorney, however, can be a huge financial burden. The Injunction for Protection Project (IFP) at Women In Distress eliminates barriers by providing free legal services to secure restraining orders against abusers and to help survivors defend against Dependency (a.k.a Child Welfare) cases resulting from Domestic Violence.

IFP Attorneys are Florida Bar-licensed and provide FREE legal representation and legal counsel in restraining order cases for Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking/Harassment/Cyberstalking. We also provide legal advice and representation to victims of violence involved in Dependency (Child Welfare) cases and/or Child Protective Investigations.

IFP Attorney services that are available include:

  • Meeting with survivors to determine whether filing an injunction is safe and appropriate
  • Completing and filing petitions for protection
  • Representation at temporary and final hearings
  • Representation at violation hearings
  • Representation at hearings to modify or extend an injunction
  • Representation at hearings where an abuser is attempting to dissolve or dismiss the injunction
  • Legal advice and counsel throughout all stages of a Child Protective Investigation
  • In-court representation in Dependency cases filed by DCF, including Shelter Hearings and Termination of Parental Rights Hearings.

IFP legal representation is dependent on the survivor’s eligibility, and an initial conflict check will be completed upon receipt of the referral to ensure there are no legal conflicts of interest before proceeding to the client-interview stage. In addition, the IFP Project will make referrals to other agencies for services not available through the Project.

For more information, please contact: Juliana Chereji Dunn, Esq., Program Director, IFP Project
954-760-9800 x1462  /  jdunn@WomenInDistress.org

Women In Distress 24-Hour Crisis Line: 954-761-1133  / TTY/TDD 711

In case of emergency, call 911.

To request counsel, please complete and submit the electronic referral form below.

Click for electronic referral form in: Español, Português, and Kreyol Ayisyen

INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION PROJECT (IFP) INTAKE / REFERRAL FORM

IFP Intake/Referral Form
Is there a safe phone number where you can be reached?
Safe to leave a voicemail?
Safe to leave a text message?
Did you receive information about this referral form from a staff member at Women In Distress? *
If yes, which of these attorneys have you had a case with or against or consulted with? *
To your knowledge, has the person you are seeking an injunction against ever been represented by or consulted with any of the above attorneys? *
Have you consulted with or signed an engagement/retainer agreement with another attorney for this matter? *
Do you have any minor (under 18) children in common with this person? *
If you share children in common with this person, are you seeking:
Is there an open DCF Investigation regarding you and/or your children?
Do you have an open/pending Dependency Case? If so, please provide the following case information if known.
Do you need an interpreter for a language other than English for your hearing or to speak with your attorney, if s/he does not speak your language? *
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS OPTIONAL AND IS COLLECTED FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THIS CENTER ARE OFTEN FUNDED BY GRANTS THAT REQUIRE THE COLLECTION OF STATISTICAL DATA. THE STATISTICS GATHERED WILL BE COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS. WE WILL NOT RELEASE YOUR NAME OR ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL OR IDENTIFYING INFORMATION TO OTHER AGENCIES WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT.
AGE (check one)
Are you a Veteran?
Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Are you currently homeless?
Purpose of Providing My Information: I am providing basic information about my case to the Injunction for Protection (IFP) Project solely because I would like an IFP Project attorney to review the information I provided and determine whether a consultation appointment can be set to further discuss my options. If, after reviewing the information I provided above, the attorney determines that s/he cannot provide a consultation, the attorney will notify me of that fact and will not act as my attorney. I understand that if the IFP Project attorney determines a consultation can be scheduled, I will be contacted to set up a consultation appointment and next steps will be explained then. I understand that providing the above basic information about my case does not create an attorney-client relationship. I understand that the IFP Project is under no obligation to represent me or provide me with any legal services because I provided this information.
By checking this box and signing below, I am confirming I have read and agree to the paragraph above explaining the purpose of providing my information. *

If you are experiencing any technical difficulties with the electronic referral form above, please fill out the PDF version of this form and email completed form to:  jdunn@womenindistress.org. Click here for PDF versions in Español, Português, Kreyol Ayisyen, and English.

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Justice policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write the Department of Legal Affairs, Federal Discrimination Complaint Coordinator, PL-01, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-1050, or call 850-414-3300, or write Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531 or call 202-307-0690 (Voice) or 202- 307-2027 (TDD/TTY) or https://ojp.gov/about/ocr/complaint.htm. Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech), or 800-845-6136 (Spanish).

This project was supported by Award No. VOCA-C-2023-Women in Distress of Broward Cou-00102 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs. Sponsored by Women in Distress of Broward Co. Inc. and the State of Florida.

24-Hr Crisis Hotline: 954.761.1133 | 711 TDD/TYY
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