Despite this trauma, Diana was a straight A student in high school and, after graduating, moved to attend a prestigious university. Tragically, the threats and abuse from her grandfather did not stop and even escalated to include harming the people Diana loved.
Diana eventually summoned the strength to file a restraining order, and with the help of the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC), which provides legal assistance to sexual assault survivors, secured a one-year order against her grandfather. As the order was due to expire, Diana was connected with Mintz, and a team of attorneys and a project analyst prepared a detailed supplemental affidavit for the court advocating for a permanent restraining order.
The vast majority of survivors do not have an attorney to represent them, and when litigants show up alone, many are completely intimidated by the judicial system. If they’re going up against a lawyer who understands the process, they’re immediately at a disadvantage. Our work is very important to even that playing field.
Associate
Daniel j. Goodrich
Ensuring a Safe Haven for a Sexual Assault Survivor
Pro Bono Team
Camille C. Herring
Former Senior Project Analyst
Janki H. Viroja
Associate
Daniel J. Goodrich
Associate
Katharine K. Foote
Associate
The Mintz team also carefully counseled Diana, preparing her to testify in court against her grandfather. At the hearing, after being subjected to a nearly hour-long cross-examination and vigorous defense delivered by her grandfather’s prestigious attorney, the judge granted a rare permanent restraining order.
Now protected by the permanent order providing her safety, Diana is studying for a master’s degree in social work to help others in crisis.
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Beginning at age five, “Diana” endured daily physical, sexual, and mental abuse while in the custody of her grandparents. Throughout her childhood, Diana’s grandfather sexually assaulted her, sold explicit photos of her, and eventually began trafficking her.
Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)