Domestic Violence Law

Domestic violence law focuses on areas of family and partner abuse. It provides the criminal rules for punishing those who cause emotional or physical harm to others with whom they share a family or other close relationship.

It also deals with the civil protections available to victims of this type of harm. Federal legislation has been enacted making domestic violence a crime, most notably the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). However, the vast majority of domestic violence offenses are prosecuted under state law.

Domestic violence lawyers spend their careers either in direct service helping clients affected by domestic violence or in policy helping write legislation and regulations that advocate on behalf of abused persons. Though domestic violence work has traditionally occurred in the U.S. legal system, a growing number of lawyers are focusing on preventing domestic violence around the world. DV lawyers typically work in nonprofit organizations or in the government with the Department of Justice or State Attorney General’s offices.

What to do if you are interested in Domestic Violence Law?

Georgetown Law Courses

Advanced Criminal Procedure
Criminal Law
Health Law and Policy
Public Welfare Law
Race and American Law
Family Law

Georgetown Law Seminars

Advanced Tools for Public Interest Lawyers
Homelessness Poverty and Legal Advocacy Seminar
Urban Law and Policy Seminar

Georgetown Law Clinics

Domestic Violence Clinic
Criminal Justice Clinic

Helpful Domestic Violence Law Resources

ABA Commission on Domestic Violence links to organizations and resources related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and trafficking.
Feminist.com: National Organizations and Clearinghouses on Violence Against Women includes list of policy/advocacy and direct service organizations.
HG.org: Domestic Violence Law provides a basic overview of the practice area as well as useful links to educational resources and selected employers.
National Network to End Domestic Violence is a non-profit policy organization that performs legislative policy work and provides resources to domestic violence coalitions across the country.
Women’s Law.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence and includes volunteer opportunities and job openings.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Violence Against Women includes links to national advocacy groups and information on other VAWA initiatives.