George Washington University School of Law Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project
The George Washington University School of Law Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project (DV LEAP) is dedicated to providing appellate legal representation to domestic violence victims. DV LEAP has found that appeals from adverse trial court decisions in domestic violence cases are rare and that an organization was needed to prosecute these appeals. DV LEAP, founded in 2003, also files “Friend of the Court” briefs in appellate cases involving domestic violence.
THE CASE
-
A grant was made for legal work related to E.J. v. D.J., a case in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals involving a challenge to the pseudo-scientific concept of “Alienation,” which is widely used to refute abuse claims.
CASE UPDATES SINCE GRANT YEAR
-
Represented, in two instances, a mother appealing to the D.C. Court of Appeals an award of joint legal and physical custody to her batterer. E.J. v. D.J. (1&2)
The case briefs are recognized by national experts as effective training tools for attorneys representing and protecting battered mothers.
GRANT AMOUNT
$5,000 (2011)