Purpose: The purpose of the Statewide Legal Advocacy Network is to create a safe and supportive place for legal advocates serving in shelter and outreach agencies to network about the issues surrounding the role of helping victims of domestic violence access the legal system.

Mission: The Mission of the Statewide Legal Advocacy Network is to communicate resources, skills and ideas among legal advocates serving in shelter and outreach agencies for developing programs that promote the safety of persons affected by domestic violence, hold abusers accountable, encourage the sensitive and thorough response of agents in the judicial system, and diligently work for positive change at all levels of government.

Current Projects

The subcommittees listed below represent the current projects of LAN for 2006. Members may join any subcommittee.

• The Fundraising Subcommittee will develop fundraising strategies to support future LAN activities.
• The Law Enforcement Protocol Subcommittee will review and edit the Texas Council on Family Violence’s 2003 Law Enforcement Protocol to provide feedback for the 2006 version.
• The District Attorney/Legal Advocate Relations Subcommittee will develop a District Attorney/Legal Advocate “cheat sheet” that will highlight professional values of both professions in order to strengthen communication between both groups.
• The Certification of Legal Advocates Subcommittee will research the pros and cons of developing a certification program for legal advocates.
• The Mentoring Subcommittee will develop a mentoring program in which more seasoned legal advocates will be identified in order to provide regional technical support to new legal advocates in their surrounding area.