Her Justice

Her Justice exists because women deserve to be safe from violence in their homes. Sonya deserved that. Sonya Massey called the police for help — just like many of our clients do. Because of unconscionable acts like this, many others do not. 86% of our clients are victims of intimate partner violence, and they are often urged to “just call the police.” Only about half do. Sonya’s horrific experience is one stark example of why calling the police isn’t always simple or safe. As advocates and lawyers, we rely on flawed systems to protect our clients from abuse and deliver justice. Because of this, we know that abuse isn’t just interpersonal — it also happens at the hands of systems. Black women deserve to be protected. By systems and in relationships. Full stop. #SayHerName #SonyaMassey Portrait tribute by Jennifer White-Johnson

A domestic violence survivor recently received her U.S. Legal Permanent Resident Status (her “Green Card”) following the approval of her Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition. Gloria’s marriage to her U.S. citizen husband was riddled with physical, emotional and verbal abuse and assaults. Gloria contacted legal services organization Her Justice for help and she was connected with New York tax partner Geoffrey Secol. Gloria’s team has included litigation attorneys Christopher Gessner, Karen Woodhouse, Dara Mouhot and Kyle McGoey and FR associate Amelia Danovitch. The team also included former Akin attorneys Kim Rowe and Andrew Lillywhite. Gloria’s abusive husband often threatened to contact immigration services to have her deported if she reported the abuse she endured. Even when police officers found her battered and unconscious in her home, Gloria declined to press charges against her abusive husband, fearing that he would contact immigration officials. After Gloria bravely fled the abuse, the team submitted a comprehensive petition in late 2020. When Gloria received her green card, she reported that her father wept tears of joy and relief at the news. Her abuser could never again use the U.S. immigration system to punish her for fleeing the abuse and she could finally start a new life. Just as Gloria was preparing to receive her Green Card, Geoffrey Secol was signing an engagement letter to start work with his latest Her Justice client, his eighth one. #ProBono #ThisWeekinProBono #VAWA

New Destiny Housing Corporation are experts on the intersection of domestic violence and housing – and their new report is a thoughtful exploration of the nuanced challenges survivors face when seeking safe housing in NYC. Her Justice is proud to have contributed information about our clients' own experiences to this report. “Domestic violence and homelessness are inherently linked. In the United States, 80% of women with children struggling with homelessness have also experienced domestic violence, and 57% of all women experiencing homelessness report domestic violence as the immediate cause of their homelessness […] Access to safe and affordable housing is one of survivors’ biggest, most urgent concerns and it often determines whether they leave their abuser and stay alive.” Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/epbBGmuy

Her Justice Board Member Rachel Strickland appeared on CNN last week to discuss the recent dismissal of Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case + what it means for Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP's clients Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman — the two former Georgia election workers he falsely accused of tampering with ballots. Moss, Freeman, and their family received intense harassment and racist threats because of his allegations. In response, the Willkie pro bono team secured $148.1 million in damages. "These are two unbelievably heroic women who were doing their civic duty who had their lives upended by this man. Four generations in their family have been impacted. It's good to see that powerful people have consequences. Today was one of those days." – Rachel Strickland, partner and Chair of Willkie's Business Reorganization & Restructuring Department Watch the interview here: https://lnkd.in/d34f72PV

Immigration has always been core to New York City's story, economy, and culture. Her Justice is grateful to our immigration clients who trust us with their journeys — you make our city strong! As the month comes to a close, here's to all the immigrants and children of immigrants in our Her Justice community! Curious how we're bringing Her Justice's immigration expertise to NYC and beyond? Read our hot-off-the-press summer newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gQvY-NEB

Looking for more smart analysis about the Supreme Court's recent U.S. v. Rahimi decision? Former Her Justice staff attorney Naomi Young provides excellent context around the case + its outcome which makes the "right call on the wrong theory." From the article: "The idea of leaning on historical legislation continues to concern some legal experts. Kari Still called it a "dangerous test," especially since there are different, modern public health and safety concerns in 2024 "that the founders could just not even envision." Rahimi presented a perfect example: Domestic violence issues hold a vastly different place in society now compared to the 18th Century. "Our nation's history and traditions aren't that kind to women, and very much permitted domestic violence," says Young. "Domestic violence has thrived in this country, not despite the law, but largely because of it."

⚖️ All women are entitled to safety. What happens when that safety is threatened by our own system of civil justice? ♀️An amazing nonprofit standing with these women is Her Justice. Last month, I was honored to host the Her Justice 2024 Annual Photography Auction and Benefit alongside hundreds of legal industry leaders who came together to raise a record $3.35 million for this important organization. Her Justice stands with women and children living in poverty in New York City – many who are mothers, immigrants, and survivors of intimate partner violence – helping them to find free legal counsel. I tell some of their stories in the video below - an excerpt from my opening remarks. In many ways, our civil justice system reinforces and exacerbates gender, racial, and economic imbalances. The work that Her Justice does with policy and advocacy reforms the system to be more equitable, efficient, and empowering to all women. Thank you for having me as your emcee, and congratulations to Jennifer O'Neil and Ira Dizengoff, recognized this evening, and to Amy Barasch, Esq. for her decade of leadership at Her Justice! #Equality #WomensRights #Nonprofit #NewYorkCity #Justice

Today’s outcome in U.S. v. Rahimi maintains a decades-old federal ban on gun possession when a restraining order is in effect. What does this mean? That we can continue to keep guns out of the hands of known abusers. This matters because research is clear. When an abuser has a gun, they’re 5x more likely to kill their partner. And most mass shooters practice control and abuse at home first – 68% of mass shooters from 2014-2019 had a history of domestic violence or killed partners/family in their spree. This case was sparked by the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which said courts must judge restrictions on gun rights by turning to early American history as a guide. Given that context, we’re relieved at today’s decision. Keeping guns out of the hands of abusers keeps domestic violence victims alive. And it can prevent mass shootings. We are all safer because this law remains in place. Hear from Her Justice's Executive Director Amy Barasch, Esq. below. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dDMiyihC

Today we’re celebrating Opal Lee, a powerhouse activist acclaimed for her work establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Widely known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Lee was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, and just last month she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom! Today Lee’s advocacy spans an impressive range – it’s only skimming the surface to mention that her nonprofit Opal’s Farm tackles food insecurity, that she’s a fierce advocate for incarcerated men and women, and that she’s deeply committed to building community in her hometown of Fort Worth. At 97 years old, Lee is a beacon of what’s possible. That’s especially fitting since Juneteenth is a celebration of progress – an invitation to reflect on America’s promise of freedom, liberty, and justice and how we can make it real. Black communities in the U.S. face persistent, significant inequality. At Her Justice, we know racism is woven deeply into systems meant to serve us – including the civil justice system. That's why we're committed to standing beside our clients as they seek justice through the courts and to pursuing a civil justice system that we can count on to deliver fair outcomes. Learn more about the fantastic Dr. Opal Lee: https://lnkd.in/eBu94M_8

Join the Her Justice team! We’re hiring a Communications Assistant who will work closely with the Assistant Director, Communications to elevate the way we tell our organization’s story to a range of audiences. Sitting on the Development and Communications Team, this role provides creative and administrative support for comms campaigns and projects across the organization. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eAftzrpy