WomensLaw

WomensLaw WomensLaw is a project of NNEDV offering plain-language legal information to all abuse victims. Because knowledge is power. šŸ’œ WomensLaw.org

Did you know that WomensLaw has videos to help victims and survivors of abuse prepare for court?Check out our Protection...
08/30/2026

Did you know that WomensLaw has videos to help victims and survivors of abuse prepare for court?

Check out our Protection Order series to learn what a protection order (also called a restraining order) is, how to get one, what happens in court, and more: https://buff.ly/NbCSOhZ

[Image description: Text reads: "Protection Orders. Free Legal Videos for Victims of Abuse." Below, a browser window displaying part of a page on WomensLaw.org reading: "Legal Information. Protection Orders. Spanish audio with English subtitles. What is a protection order and how can it help you? Who can get a protection order? What acts of abuse would qualify you for a protection order?"]

Did you know that WomensLaw has videos covering common legal situations that victims and survivors of abuse might face? ...
08/29/2026

Did you know that WomensLaw has videos covering common legal situations that victims and survivors of abuse might face?

Check out this video to learn more about the requirements for getting a divorce, including if you have safety concerns about divorcing an abuser: https://buff.ly/WLOjncL

[Image description: Text reads: "Divorce Requirements. Free Legal Videos for Victims of Abuse." Below, a browser window displaying part of a page on WomensLaw.org reading: "Legal Information. What are the requirements for a divorce? Includes basic information about the grounds and residency requirements for a divorce."]

For victims and survivors of abuse whose abusers are in the military, something called a "military protective order" can...
08/28/2026

For victims and survivors of abuse whose abusers are in the military, something called a "military protective order" can be one tool to consider as part of an overall safety plan.

Learn more about what it covers and how to request one, if you think it might be a good option for you: https://buff.ly/fYmG1bS

[Image description: Text reads: "What is a military protective order? A military protective order (MPO) can prohibit a Service member from contacting a specific person and/or their family and household. If a Service member has abused you or your child, you can ask the commander to issue an MPO. A victim advocate, installation law enforcement agency, or Family Advocacy Program clinician can also ask for one to be issued on your behalf. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn more and speak with our team on the free WomensLaw Email Hotline." The WomensLaw and NNEDV logos are at the bottom, reading: "WomensLaw.org a project of NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

Domestic violence victims and survivors in the military (or whose abusers are in the military) can face specific barrier...
08/27/2026

Domestic violence victims and survivors in the military (or whose abusers are in the military) can face specific barriers to accessing support and resources.

These victims and survivors deserve to be safe. WomensLaw is here to help you understand and navigate your legal options. Keep reading: https://buff.ly/JP6wJGx

[Image description: Text reads: "Domestic Violence in the Military. Free Legal Information for Victims of Abuse." Below, a phone displaying part of a page on WomensLaw.org reading: "Legal Information: Federal. Domestic Violence in the Military. I have heard the terms ā€œdomestic abuseā€ and ā€œdomestic violenceā€ used by military personnel. Is there a difference? In the military, ā€œdomestic abuseā€ and ā€œdomestic violenceā€ are two different terms. Domestic abuse is used in the military as a..."]

It's  ! 🐶🐾 Everyone (including our furry friends) deserves to live in a home that is safe and free from violence and abu...
08/26/2026

It's ! 🐶🐾 Everyone (including our furry friends) deserves to live in a home that is safe and free from violence and abuse.

Many abusers choose to harm or threaten pets in order to keep control over a partner, and this is totally unacceptable.

Learn more and find resources if you're worried about yourself or someone you know: https://buff.ly/6ZWNuky

[Image description: Text reads: "Abuse of Pets. Free Legal Information for Victims of Abuse." Below, a phone displaying part of a page on WomensLaw.org reading: "About Abuse. Emotional and Psychological Abuse. Abuse of pets. Many people think of their pets as part of the family. If you have a pet, an abuser may try to hurt or control you by threatening to harm or actually harming your pet. The abuser might: hurt your pet to punish you or get back at..."]

Abuse and fi****ms are a deadly combination. Many victims of abuse feel unsafe knowing that an abuser has access to a gu...
08/25/2026

Abuse and fi****ms are a deadly combination. Many victims of abuse feel unsafe knowing that an abuser has access to a gun, especially if they're a police officer or a member of the military and use a gun at work.

There are some circumstances where it would be illegal for an abuser convicted of a crime to have a gun. The law can be confusing to understand, and our team is here to help: https://buff.ly/QIHBRqf

[Image description: Text reads: "My abuser uses a gun for their job. Does the law still apply to them? A police officer, military service member, or other government employee convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor can never possess a firearm, including for work or personal use. There are some allowances in the law for people convicted of felonies and other circumstances. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn more and speak with our team on the free WomensLaw Email Hotline." The WomensLaw and NNEDV logos are at the bottom, reading: "WomensLaw.org a project of NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

An abuser's access to a gun can be extremely dangerous. Many victims and survivors may consider whether getting a protec...
08/24/2026

An abuser's access to a gun can be extremely dangerous. Many victims and survivors may consider whether getting a protective order will also require the abuser's guns to be removed for safety.

The short answer: it depends. WomensLaw is here to help, with plain-language legal information and resources, including our free Email Hotline: https://buff.ly/83qQsBD

[Image description: Text reads: "I have a temporary order of protection. Can the abuser’s gun be taken away? Generally, this depends on whether or not the abuser received advance notice of the hearing before a judge issued the order of protection. The order of protection must also meet certain requirements before a gun is removed. Your state may also have specific laws about firearm access. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn more and speak with our team on the free WomensLaw Email Hotline." The WomensLaw and NNEDV logos are at the bottom, reading: "WomensLaw.org a project of NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

Abuse and fi****ms are a deadly combination. If you're a victim of abuse whose abuser has access to a gun, you don't nee...
08/23/2026

Abuse and fi****ms are a deadly combination. If you're a victim of abuse whose abuser has access to a gun, you don't need to be an expert in the law. You deserve to be safe, no matter what.

It can be helpful for safety planning to think about which laws the abuser might be breaking, and who you can call for help if you're in immediate danger. Keep reading: https://buff.ly/9zcRUlh

[Image description: Text reads: "What is the difference between federal and state gun laws? Major differences between federal and state gun laws are: who makes the law, who prosecutes people who break the law, and what the penalty is. If you’re a victim of abuse whose abuser has access to a gun, it can be very helpful to familiarize yourself with the laws they may be breaking and who you can call for help if you’re in danger. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn more and speak with our team on the free WomensLaw Email Hotline." The WomensLaw and NNEDV logos are at the bottom, reading: "WomensLaw.org a project of NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

Today is World Senior Citizens' Day. šŸ’™ If you have an older loved one in your life, it's important to be aware of any si...
08/21/2026

Today is World Senior Citizens' Day. šŸ’™

If you have an older loved one in your life, it's important to be aware of any signs that they might be mistreated or abused, especially if they don't have the capacity to recognize it for themselves.

Signs of elder abuse can often be mistaken for "normal" parts of aging, and a medical professional can help you understand the difference.

Find these and other examples, and learn about the resources and legal protections that are available: https://buff.ly/KdCCHBh

[Image description: Text reads: "How can I recognize if an older person is being abused? Signs of elder abuse can include things like... Physical ailments, like neglected health or strange wounds, especially left untreated. Emotional trauma, like behavioral changes or sudden fear or anxiety about a specific person. Financial exploitation, like abrupt or unauthorized banking or property changes. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn more and speak with our team on the free WomensLaw Email Hotline." The WomensLaw and NNEDV logos are at the bottom, reading: "WomensLaw.org a project of NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

For refugee victims and survivors of abuse, something called the "grounds of inadmissibility" can make it complicated to...
08/20/2026

For refugee victims and survivors of abuse, something called the "grounds of inadmissibility" can make it complicated to enter the United States.

An immigration lawyer or advocate can help you understand these rules and safely secure refugee status.

Keep reading: https://buff.ly/9i7nLWH

Find free and low-cost legal services in your state or territory: https://buff.ly/q2LraSZ

[Image description: Text reads: "I’m a refugee. What are ā€œgrounds of inadmissibilityā€? Most people who want to enter the United States must show that they are not barred by a long set of rules called the grounds of inadmissibility. If you’re a victim or survivor of abuse seeking refuge in the U.S., it’s very important to work with an immigration lawyer or advocate so you can understand these rules correctly. Visit WomensLaw.org to learn more and speak with our team on the free WomensLaw Email Hotline." The WomensLaw and NNEDV logos are at the bottom, reading: "WomensLaw.org a project of NNEDV National Network to End Domestic Violence."]

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