The C.A.R.E. Program
Court Accompaniment, Respect and Empowerment PWJC trains volunteers to accompany victims of domestic violence or elder abuse throughout their court experience. The program ensures that our clients have the option of having a compassionate support person stay with them, helping to make them feel safer and less anxious. No legal background or prior experience is necessary to participate.
If you are interested in becoming involved, contact: Natalie J. Sobchak: nsobchak@law.pace.edu
*If you speak a second language, please include this information in the email
About Pace Women's Justice Center The Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) is a self-funded nonprofit legal center located at Elisabeth Haub School of Law, under the 501(c)(3) status of Pace University. Each year, PWJC provides free legal services to over 3,800 victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, as well as conducts or participates in over 140 training and outreach events. Serving Westchester and Putnam Counties, PWJC’s mission is to pursue justice for victims and prevent abuse through quality legal services, community partnerships, education, and awareness. With an experienced staff and a team of dedicated volunteers, including attorneys, paralegals, students, and other community members, PWJC has built an effective, coordinated community response to interpersonal violence. Illustration by Edel Rodriguez
Safe families make safe communities!
Contact us MAIN OFFICE: 914.422.4069 Legal Helpline: 914.287.0739 Multi Language Services Available Servicios Bilingües - Llámenos para más información 78 N Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603 WWW.LAW.PACE.EDU/WJC
PWJC's C.A.R.E. Program
Court Accompaniment Volunteer Program
Become Involved
Providing legal services in the victim's county of residence "significantly lowers the incidence of domestic violence." Institute for Policy Integrity - New York University School of Law
Photo by Nadine Shaabana on Unsplash
C.A.R.E. VOLUNTEERING Going to court can be a challenging process for victims of domestic violence and elder abuse. The work of the C.A.R.E. volunteer directly helps PWJC attorneys by enabling them to focus on legal preparation before a case.
Volunteers provide... Court Accompaniment, Respect and Empowerment Accompany victims of domestic violence or elder abuse to courts in White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle and Carmel in Putnam County.
Illustration by Edel Rodriguez
Interact one-one-one with clients and collaborate with attorneys before, during, and after the hearing. Give emotional support to clients during appearances in court by: providing companionship in the waiting room; sitting in the public section during the hearing (unless the client prefers otherwise); and following up afterwards to gauge their feelings and refer them to additional resources as needed.
Time Commitment PWJC will work with volunteers to accommodate their schedules. On average, each court accompaniment will last one to three hours.
Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash
Training PWJC will train all volunteers. Training consists of four sessions which will address a range of topics, including: Domestic violence Elder abuse Trauma Cultural sensitivity Confidentiality Legal basics Courtroom etiquette
The C.A.R.E.Program is funded by: The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation