Legal Resources

Civil Legal Assistance for Sexual Assault Survivors

If you are a survivor of sexual assault and you are:
*concerned about your privacy and others finding out about the assault;
*worried about your job or school;
*concerned about your immigration status;
*worried about your physical safety; or
*confused about the criminal or civil justice system;

                                       OR

If your child is a survivor of sexual abuse and they are:
*under the age of 18 (and your are the parent or guardian);
   and
*involved in a family or juvenile court matter;

Legal assistance may be available for you. The Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault provides civil legal assistance to victims of sexual assault as well as for child and teen victims of sexual assault and their families. In addition to employing two staff attorneys, IowaCASA has established relationships with many attorneys across the state of Iowa who may offer pro bono legal services at no cost to survivors of sexual assault. Contact your local sexual assault crisis center or staff at IowaCASA.

Services Available
* Civil orders of protection                                *Divorce

*Modification of divorce decrees                    *Immigration
   -Visitation                                                        -U and T visa applications
   -Child Support                                                 -VAWA applications
   -Child Custody

 *Employment issues                                       *Housing issues
   -Entitlement to general benefits                          -Breaking or changing lease
   -Family and Medical Leave Act                               -Eviction
   -Victim compensation for lost wages                   -Safety issues
   -If perpetrator is a co-worker/supervisor           -Public housing
               
*College administrative hearings - sexual assault and sexual harassment protections

*Public and Private School (K-12) administrative hearings

*Civil legal services for child and adolescent victims of sexual assault

*Appeals with the Department of Human Services

*Referrals for civil legal needs not covered by our agency

*Training for center staff and volunteers regarding the law and the legal options available for victims

*Training and technical assistance for attorneys working with survivors

Please note that we are not able to accept: 
*Any criminal cases
*Civil cases involving monetary damages

However, we can provide consultation and referrals on these matters.

Online Resources

Victims and the Court Process: An Overview of the Court Process in Criminal Trials. What to expect from the system...and what the system expects from you.
A brief and generalized guide to the court process for victims of assault. Please note that each individual case is different and therefore may not follow this process precisely.