"The Domestic Violence Clinic assisted me with my abusive husband . . . . My life before was unsafe. I was not happy and did not have peace. Now I am very happy; I have my freedom and I'm able to sleep, eat, work, and be happy with my kids." Yolanda, former Clinic client

     Since 1985, the Domestic Violence Clinic has assisted over four hundred victims of domestic violence seek protection from abusive partners and family members. A one-semester program, the Clinic prepares law students to litigate on behalf of victims in D.C. Superior Court. Students bring actions to obtain injunctive relief in the form of civil protection orders ("CPOs").

What is a CPO?

     A CPO is a one-year injunctive order, designed to protect victims of violence from continuing abuse by partners or family members. These orders can provide victims with a broad spectrum of relief, including directing the abuser to cease assaulting, threatening, and harassing the victim; ordering the abuser to vacate the parties' residence; awarding custody of the parties' children; and awarding child support.

"Of all the classes I took at Georgetown, the Domestic Violence Clinic prepared me best for my day to day practice. I draw on the skills and experiences from the Clinic regularly in planning litigation strategies, interviewing witnesses, drafting pleadings, appearing in court, dealing with opposing counsel and with difficult clients, negotiating settlements, and conducting hearings. The Clinic was my most rewarding and memorable class. The clients are people for whom you want to fight. Participating in the Clinic was a great way to gain valuable practical experience and have a great time doing it." Liz, Clinic Alum

     A CPO case begins when a victim files a Petition and Affidavit, or complaint. The case is then scheduled for trial two to four weeks later. If the parties cannot agree to a CPO by consent, the parties present a full trial before a D.C. Superior Court judge.

     Violation of a CPO can be prosecuted as civil or criminal contempt, or as a misdemeanor. Each violation carries a potential penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

Curriculum Components

     In the Domestic Violence Clinic, students learn advocacy skills and the art of zealous effective, and ethical lawyering. Students develop and practice these skills through both seminar and case work.

Seminar Component

     In the twice weekly two-hour seminar, students study the substantive and procedural law relevant to their cases, including the local domestic violence statute, criminal law, family law, evidentiary principles, and procedural and ethics rules. The seminar also focuses on litigation skills exercises, including conducting interviews, delivering opening statements and closing arguments, introducing exhibits into evidence, drafting direct and cross examinations, and conducting negotiations.

"The Domestic Violence Clinic gives students the great opportunity to help the D.C. community through student advocacy. Observation and feedback from the Clinic faculty helps students develop themselves as moral and proficient lawyers, while advocating for domestic violence victims gives the students a strong sense of public duty." Alexander, Clinic Alum

     A select group of expert guest speakers present at the seminar on topics related to domestic violence, such as the psychological dynamics of victims and batterers, current federal legislative initiatives, and international approaches to controlling domestic violence. Speakers include judges, prosecutors, psychologists, and advocates.

Casework Component

     Students in the Domestic Violence Clinic work in teams of two and represent several clients during the course of the semester. Students are fully responsible for all aspects of each case, from conducting the initial intake interview to investigating facts, drafting a complaint, preparing witnesses, and ultimately to negotiating a consent injunctive order or taking the case to trial.

"The Clinic was an extremely rewarding experience -- not to mention the only practical training I had when I started to work." Gretchen, Clinic Alum

Trials generally last several hours and provide students with the opportunity to present witnesses and evidence such as police reports, weapons, and 9-1-1 tapes, and to cross examine the alleged batterer's witnesses.

     Students work closely on each case with Clinic Faculty who collaborate on case strategy and provide feedback on all aspects of case preparation.

Revised August 18, 2006 (JC)