|
|||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
Wise Hope Crisis Center, which serves Jack County victims of domestic abuse, has a new tool in its toolbox.
“Quite possibly the biggest hurdle faced by a person who decides to leave a dangerously unhealthy relationship is the cost of retaining legal services,” said Ginger Johnson, victim advocate for Wise Hope Crisis Center. “Free legal aid is often not an option when the family violence victim does not meet that agency’s criteria or for various other reasons.” With great pleasure, Johnson said. Wise Hope Crisis Center announces its association with Donna Guion, attorney at law, in offering free legal services to clients who are victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.
Guion operates under a grant from the Office of Violence Against Woman, U.S. Department of Justice. The family law issues her grant covers include assistance with Family Violence Protective Orders, divorce, child custody and visitation, and enforcement of court orders. “These are the predominant issues with which a victim contends in the quest to escape an abusive lifestyle,” Johnson pointed out. Guion can also assist with Pro Se divorce petitions. “Domestic violence is the escalating pattern of coercive control that one person in a relationship uses over another,” Guion said. “Domestic violence includes various tactics such as verbal, emotional, sexual, economic, physical and spiritual abuse. Without intervention, domestic violence will continue to escalate.” “If you or someone you know is being hurt, there are options; there is help,” Johnson added. Wise Hope Crisis Center’s Jacksboro office is is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday at 241 W. Live Oak St. at the First Presbyterian Church. Appointments for other days of the week may be arranged.
After meeting with an advocate to determine the need, an application for the free legal services will be given. Wise Hope Crisis Center can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the hotline number at (940) 393-2884, or the toll free number at 1-866-684-4855. Both lines are answered 24 hours a day. “Wise Hope Crisis Center offers safety, strength and hope to victims of abuse without charge and with complete confidentiality,” Johnson said. |
|
