New Jersey Human Trafficking survivors Legal Assistance Program
If you are looking for free legal help in New Jersey for a victim/survivor of human trafficking, please click here.
According to a report from the American Bar Association, "The civil justice system is still inaccessible to many trafficking victims/survivors. They are largely unaware of the legal recourse and services available to them; psychological trauma, threats to their lives and safety, and lack of resources often prevent them from seeking help. Without assistance and support, survivors who do manage to escape are at risk for being re-trafficked."
VLJ's New Jersey Human Trafficking Survivors Legal Assistance Program is designed to address these issues by pairing victims/survivors with volunteer attorneys who can assist them with criminal record clearing, immigration advocacy, victim-witness advocacy, civil litigation, and family law matters. This program has become a crucial lifeline for victims/survivors by providing them with the representation they need to be able to fully rebuild their lives.
Court/Docket: New Jersey Superior Court (for vacatur petition), Municipal Court (for open matters), U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (T-visas, U-visas, VAWA self-petitions), Family Court (for divorce, custody, and child support matters), and more.
Format: Full representation, most of which can be completed remotely.
Time Commitment: Varies; most cases require between 10 – 25 hours
Experience NOT Required: No prior experience is required to volunteer; however, all first-time volunteers are required to review VLJ’s training materials before accepting a case. VLJ staff attorneys are available to co-counsel.
Training Available: VLJ has training materials (written & video) on certain civil legal issues commonly occurring for victim/survivors as well as resources on how to provide victim/survivor-centered, trauma-informed representation.
How to sign up?
Complete VLJ’s Volunteer Form (click or tap the button below).