programs

Independent Advocates is a private agency that provides comprehensive court advocacy to victims of domestic violence in criminal and civil matters in Toledo/Lucas County. We work for victims. We consider it our responsibility to provide the best advocacy possible, and believe that is done through comprehensive, consistent, and seamless services in which a team of professionals collaborates with concern for the safety and security of survivors and their families.

We provide:

• an explanation of courthouse procedures
• safety Planning
• assistance in obtaining protection orders
• notification of court dates and accompaniment to hearings
• referrals to local agencies that provide long-term case management and support groups specific to your needs
• emotional support

Independent Advocates Domestic Violence Courtwatch Program | initiated in January 2010

The courtwatch program places volunteers from the community and local educational institutions in Toledo Municipal Court to observe and document the details of criminal hearings dealing with domestic violence.  Arraignments and protection order hearings and their resulting protection order violation charges have been of special interest to the program.  In the next year, the program will expand to include observations of pre-trials and trials.  In order to become a Courtwatch volunteer, please contact Independent Advocates at 567-202-1741. Or email at independentadvocate@gmail.com.

Independent Advocates Comprehensive Court Advocacy Program | initiated in February 2008

The Comprehensive Court Advocacy Program places an advocate with a survivor of Domestic Violence who has found herself in the court system.  This advocate provides emotional support through the court process and accompanies the survivor to all court hearings in any courthouse.  The advocate also provides extensive and individualized safety planning and referrals to community resources including counseling and legal services.  Independent Advocates provides a completely unique service in that the same advocate is provided throughout the entire court process which may have proceedings in up to 4 different courthouses (Toledo Municipal Court, Lucas County Domestic Relations Court, Lucas County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division, and Lucas County Court of Common Pleas General Division)

Independent Advocates Community Education and Activism Program | initiated February 2008

The Community Education and Activism Program leads the community in the movement to stop domestic violence.  Through speaking engagements to students, professionals, and community groups about the dynamics of domestic violence, IA raises awareness of the problem of DV in our community.  Through Public Service Announcements, The Purple Ribbon Campaign, T-shirts and other merchandise IA engages the community in the message that “It’s OUR responsibility to STOP domestic violence.”  We also communicate regularly with interested people on our Facebook page by keeping everyone informed of what is going on in the Lucas County Court system with regard to Domestic Violence.  We also offer Courtwatch Training opportunities and other ways to get involved in the movement.