The family and criminal court systems can be overwhelming. DAIS is here to help. DAIS Legal Advocates can help you with restraining orders, accompany you to court, and help answer your legal-related questions. Legal Advocates are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.
The information below describes the legal services we provide. If you need to speak with a Legal Advocate, please call our 24-Hour Help Line at (608) 251-4445, or Text Line at (608) 420-4638, or email daisies.1977@gmail.com.
The DAIS Legal Advocacy Program provides support, information, advocacy and court accompaniment to people who are experiencing intimate partner violence or stalking. DAIS legal services include assistance with restraining orders, family law, criminal law, immigration and other legal matters.
Legal Advocates work with people by phone, in individual meetings, in court, and assist victims with safety planning, information, and referrals to community partners.
Legal Advocates also provide information and referrals to victims of other types of abuse and concerned community members. Legal Advocates are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.
Contacting the Legal Advocacy Program
To reach the DAIS Legal Advocacy Program, call the 24-Hour DAIS Help Line at (608) 251-4445, or Text Line at (608) 420-4638. A Help Line Advocate can offer support, resources, and general legal information, and can connect you to the Legal Advocate voice mail.
Please leave a detailed message, including a safe phone number, and a Legal Advocate will return your call between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
If you live outside of Dane County, you can call 1-800-799-SAFE to be connected with a program near you.
DAIS Legal Advocates can help you file for a restraining order, plan for your safety, prepare for the final injunction hearing (for a long-term restraining order), provide support during the hearing, and offer advocacy in the civil court system.
There is more than one type of restraining order. The Restraining Order Grid explains differences between Domestic Abuse and Harassment Restraining Orders, including the protections they offer and who is eligible. Restraining orders also exist for child abuse and individuals at risk. A Legal Advocate can provide information about these restraining orders.
A restraining order cannot guarantee your safety. Developing a safety plan is an important part of the restraining order process.
How to Get a Restraining Order
Please click on the following links to learn more about what to expect when you file for a restraining order. Getting a restraining order is a two-part process. First, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is granted. Then, if the person requesting a restraining order wants a longer-term restraining order (injunction), s/he must come back to court for a hearing in front of a judge.
Family Law Information
Legal Advocates provide support and basic information about divorce, legal separation, child custody and placement, paternity, child support, and other family law issues to people who have been abused by an intimate partner. A Legal Advocate may be able to accompany you to court for a family law-related hearing.
Criminal Justice System Support
DAIS Legal Advocates provide information about the criminal justice process, including information about arrest, prosecution of the offender, the probation and parole system, and Wisconsin’s Crime Victim Compensation Program.
If you have been arrested for a crime related to abuse by your intimate partner, a Legal Advocate may be able to provide support for you in the criminal justice system.
Immigration resources
Catholic Multicultural Center – Immigration Legal Services
Contact info: Phone: 608-441-0114; email: https://cmcmadison.org/contact-form/?your-recipient=Colleen+Sheehy,+Immigration+Paralegal+%26+Program+Assistant. Office hours are Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm by appointment only; in-person or virtual options available.
Website: https://cmcmadison.org/programs-services/immigration-legal-services/
Summary: The mission of this program is to provide affordable immigration legal services to low/no income immigrants and refugees who are unable to afford the fees of a private attorney. CMC helps with Naturalization/Citizenship Applications, visa applications, DACA, U visas, green cards, and more.
Centro Hispano of Dane County
Contact info: (608)400-9469; jacqueline@micentro.org or virginia@micentro.org
Website: https://www.micentro.org/immigration-services.html
Summary: DOJ (Department of Justice) Accredited Representatives provide consultation and assistance applying through USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Community Immigration Law Center
Contact info: (608) 640-4444; info@cilcmadison.org
Website: https://www.cilcmadison.org/
Summary: The Community Immigration Law Center, Inc. (CILC) seeks to assist low-income immigrants with their immigration related issues by providing information, support, and referrals to immigration attorneys or accredited representatives.
Dane County Immigration Affairs
Contact info: (608) 242-6260 or (608) 287-4004; Hamdan@countyofdane.com or Villalpando@countyofdane.com
Website: https://www.danecountyhumanservices.org/Children-Youth-and-Family/Immigration-Affairs
Summary: Immigration Affairs is an office composed of Bilingual (Spanish/English) Bicultural Social Workers that support the immigrant and refugee community within Dane County. The office provides case management services to meet immediate and long-term needs of clients. They also have funds for emergency services and other resources on their website.
Freedom, Inc.
Contact info: (608) 716-7324; info@freedom-inc.org
Website: https://freedom-inc.org/index.php?page=our-services
Summary: Freedom, Inc. has advocates who help victims and survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and/or sexual assault get the help they need, such as immigration and citizenship attainment. These services are confidential and free. They serve: Low- to no-income Black and Southeast Asian women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people in the Madison area.
Jewish Social Services of Madison
Contact info: (608) 442-4081; info@jssmadison.org
Website: https://jssmadison.org/services/refugee/
Summary: JSS offers services to recent refugees to help them get settled in the Dane County area. They also help many individuals who have been granted asylum status in the US to receive healthcare, work permits, Social Security cards, and education opportunities.
UNIDOS Wisconsin
Contact info: 1-800-510-9195
Website: https://unidoswi.org/servicios
Summary: UNIDOS provides culturally relevant services that address the realities of the Latinx communities we serve.