BANGOR – For the past 10 years the Penquis CAP Law Project has sought to provide civil legal services to individuals who otherwise would be unable to afford or have access to an attorney, including those who are the victims of domestic abuse.

The criminal process is often just the first step in removing a batterer from the home. Bail conditions or terms of probation may not address child custody issues, child support or other issues such as who will reside in the home or pay the mortgage. Individuals often need a civil Order of Protection and a divorce or child custody order in order to achieve physical and emotional safety and economic independence, safety and stability.

While victims are not in control of the criminal process, they can be in control of their civil cases. They may be, however, in the position of not being represented by a lawyer, while batterers often are able to afford and retain a private attorney. Without affordable access to civil legal services, many victims would be unable to navigate the civil legal system alone.

The Penquis CAP Law Project is a small, public interest, family law practice that provides representation primarily to individuals who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. Services are provided free of charge.

“While some individuals without complex legal issues may be able to proceed without an attorney, or pro se, other individuals face complex legal issues which may prevent them from proceeding pro se,” said Tamar Mathieu, directing attorney for the Penquis CAP Law Project.

“Some individuals may be too intimidated by the abuser to enter a courtroom alone,” she explained. “These individuals can easily be re-victimized by an intimidating legal system, and some may choose to drop their cases rather than proceed on their own.”

Clients report feeling in control of the legal process and an increase in their sense of safety as a result of working with the law project.

“I had a very safe, secure feeling after receiving help from the law project,” said one former client. “They were very reassuring, helpful, understanding, always ready to listen. They helped bolster my self-esteem, self-confidence and security about my situation.”

The Penquis CAP Law Project is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women, Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program, the United Way of Eastern Maine and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. For more information, call 973-3671 or (800) 215-4942.