Legal Advocacy

The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (SAOP) provides free, confidential legal advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner and domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Our trained advocates help survivors understand their rights, navigate legal systems, and access resources to seek safety and justice.

  • How Legal Advocates Can Help

    Our Legal Advocates assist survivors with:

    • Protection Orders – Guidance on filing Civil Protection Orders (CPOs), Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs), and Juvenile Protection Orders.
    • Court Accompaniment – Emotional support and advocacy during hearings and legal proceedings.
    • Understanding Your Legal Rights – Assistance in criminal and civil cases, including information on the legal process and survivor rights.
    • Filing Assistance – Help with Victims of Crime Compensation applications and other legal documentation.
    • Title IX & Workplace Protections – Support for survivors experiencing violence in schools or workplaces.
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  • Protection Orders: What You Need to Know

    Types of Protection Orders

    • Civil Protection Orders (CPOs): Long-term legal protection against an abuser (up to 5 years).
    • Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs): Short-term protection issued during a criminal case.
    • Juvenile Protection Orders: Protection for survivors under 18 against a juvenile offender.
    • Workplace & Campus Protections: Assistance with Title IX complaints and workplace safety measures.

    You do not need a lawyer to file a protection order, and our advocates can help guide you through the process.

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  • Title IX & Workplace Protections

    Title IX Advocacy

    If you have experienced sexual violence, harassment, or dating violence in a school setting, our advocates can:

    • Assist with filing a Title IX complaint.
    • Advocate for academic accommodations (classroom changes, assignment extensions, no-contact orders).
    • Provide legal referrals and ongoing support.
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  • Workplace Protections

    Survivors experiencing harassment, stalking, or violence at work may need legal protections. We assist with:

    • Filing workplace harassment complaints (Title VII).
    • Obtaining Civil Protection Orders for workplace safety.
    • Connecting survivors to legal support and advocacy.
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  • Filing Assistance & Victim Compensation

    Survivors may be eligible for financial assistance to cover expenses related to their victimization. Our advocates help with:

    • Crime Victims Compensation – Financial support for medical care, counseling, lost wages, and relocation.
    • VINE Registration – Notification system that provides updates on an offender’s custody status.
    • Legal Referrals – Connecting survivors with attorneys for divorce, custody, immigration, and other legal needs.

    Get Help Now:

    24/7 Crisis Hotline: (740) 591-4266

    Email: info@saopseoh.org

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