
Suma Mathai
Host: Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
Sponsor: The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
Sarah provided permanent legal solutions to domestic violence victims in Montgomery County, Texas, through direct representation, public education, and development of a robust pro bono program.
The absence of permanent legal solutions traps many domestic violence victims in horrific situations. Domestic violence has increased by more than 50 percent in Montgomery County since 2007. The need for family legal services among domestic violence victims has increased with the county’s rising low-income population. The Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC) and Lone Star Legal Aid help secure protective orders for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Limited resources, however, prevent the agencies from prioritizing divorce and custody suits for these victims. Texas has a high standard for obtaining protective orders against abusers, which historically has resulted in the courts requiring a pattern of severe abuse over a span of many years for protective order approval. Achieving permanent legal solutions before abuse becomes perpetual protects victims and helps them escape their abuser.
During her Fellowship, Sarah:
Access to the legal system should not be reserved for any one class of persons.
Sarah Patrice Loeffler
Host: Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
Sponsor: The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
Host: Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Host: Women Empowered Against Violence
Sponsor: Arnold & Porter Foundation
Host: Illinois Prison Project
Sponsor: Albert & Anne Mansfield Foundation