While the FJC strives to be the most comprehensive, accessible, and trusted domestic violence resource center in Erie County, we know there are people experiencing abuse who do not come to us for help. Prior to the onset of COVID-19, many DV victims chose to visit Erie County Family Court on their own, draft their own family offense petitions, and represent themselves in hearings.
At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic shut-downs, however, Erie County Family Court operations temporarily became 100% virtual. This meant that DV victims wishing to self-petition had to do so from home, without the benefit of court staff on hand to guide them. And so, Family Court started directing many of those with questions to the Family Justice Center’s remote services.
“March 2020 will forever be known as ‘the month the world shut down’,” says FJC Business Director, Marcey Bryant. “Thankfully, the FJC was able to quickly pivot and send our staff members home to work, with no interruption to services. We were still here for everyone who needed us, but the way we provided services changed dramatically overnight.”
Over the phone and/or internet, FJC Advocates now walked more DV victims through the petitioning process, collected evidence, and prepared clients for court, leading to better overall hearing outcomes. However, this increased demand for petitions came at the same time as an overall increase in the number and severity of client intakes overall during the pandemic.
“The solution was clear,” Bryant continues, “We needed a staff member who could dedicate all their time to drafting family offense petitions for our clients. We are so grateful that the New York Bar Foundation was there to help make this dream a reality.”
The FJC applied for The New York Bar Foundation’s annual grant program, which assists organizations with law-related projects that help to facilitate the delivery of legal services to those in need. The application was selected for award, and the new Petition Writing position was launched with support from The New York Bar Foundation
FJC Petition writer Tabitha P.* says “My position as a petition writer has contributed not only to provide advocacy and support, but also a different form of trust clients get to experience. As a petition writer, we obtain as much information as the client is comfortable sharing, to include in their petitions. This position is sometimes the first level of trust a client builds again after the abuse they have experienced.”
She continues “I feel absolutely amazing knowing that I am a safe space for these people to confide in and feel as though they have a friend to talk to. I love being a person who gets to be a part of their journey.”
Thank you, New York Bar Foundation, for supporting the Family Justice Center as we help people living with abuse find safety and hope.
*Last name left out for safety reasons