ABA press release: “Domestic violence remains a stark and brutal reality: one in four women in the U.S. will be a victim in her lifetime and studies indicate that as many as 10 million children witness domestic violence in their homes each year. While domestic violence knows no boundaries with respect to race, religion, gender, age or socio-economic status, survivors without sufficient income to hire an attorney are essentially denied access to the very protections necessary to ensure their safety and that of their children. Currently, fewer than one in five low-income victims ever has access to a lawyer. Among the most tangible aids to victims of domestic violence are legal services. In fact, one recent study found that legal assistance is the most effective intervention for victims. However, most survivors of domestic violence do not have access to safe, affordable, quality legal assistance. The National Domestic Violence Volunteer Attorney Network Act would address this need by increasing access to safe, effective, affordable legal assistance, bringing attention and leadership to the legal needs of victims of domestic violence.”