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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.

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.

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

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.

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?
LIMITED RETAINER AGREEMENT: I do hereby retain THE INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION PROJECT (IFP), solely for the purpose of obtaining and receiving information necessary to determine whether the matter that I have consulted the IFP Attorney about is a matter in which the attorney can or will provide me with representation. If, after reviewing the information related to my case, the attorney determines that s/he cannot accept my case, the Attorney will notify me of that fact, and will not act as my attorney with regard to this matter. I understand that even if the IFP Project is not able to represent me, it is possible that the IFP Project will provide me with a legal advice and counsel. The advice and counsel may be given in person or come in the form of a letter or telephone call. If I am provided with legal advice and counsel only, I understand that the IFP Project WILL NOT be representing me in Court or in any manner other than the consultation. If the Attorney accepts your case, you will be notified and asked to sign an Engagement Agreement to Accept Legal Services.
CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION: I authorize the INJUNCTION FOR PROTECTION PROJECT (IFP) to obtain, inspect, copy and receive any information in my possession pertaining to myself and any minor children. This release is given without limitation and applies to both confidential and non-confidential information in my possession from any source and in any form (including, but not limited to substance abuse assessments/evaluations; psychological and psychiatric evaluations; therapy treatment plans and progress summaries; medical records; and urinalysis results, etc.). This release will expire within 90 days of the date below.
By checking this box and signing below, you are confirming you have read and agree to the Limited Retainer Agreement and Consent for Release of Information above. *

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 to download Referral Form PDF
24-Hr Crisis Hotline: 954.761.1133 | 711 TDD/TYY for Florida Relay Telecommunications Services
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