Since 2015, California Indian Legal Services has partnered with Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc., under a Legal Assistance for Victims grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. Our DV Unit provides legal assistance and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
*Please note that due to funding constraints and limited resources, CILS’s DV Unit currently assists clients in San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We hope to be able to offer these important services throughout the state in the future. Even when we cannot assist CILS can provide callers with helpful referrals.
What specific services does the CILS DV Unit offer?
- Preparation of restraining orders;
- Help with Family Law cases;
- Mediation preparation;
- Advocacy on other civil law related issues within our expertise;
- Assistance with related Criminal Law issues;
- Collect input and resources from San Diego County’s High-Risk Team (HRT) meetings;
- Court accompaniment; and
- Limited direct representation.
Where can you find the CILS DV Unit in your community?
- Monthly walk-in clinics at the following locations:
- Indian Health Council on the Rincon Reservation, second Wednesday of the month 11 am to 2 pm
- Southern Indian Health Council, fourth Wednesday of the month 11 am-2 pm
- The CILS DV Unit also offers mobile services by finding safe, confidential meeting spaces at local agencies and meeting with prospective clients in public places.
Why should you consider contacting the CILS DV Unit?
- There are no charges or income eligibility requirements for our services which are grant-funded;
- The staff does everything possible to protect prospective and existing clients’ confidentiality;
- Recognizing the effect(s) of trauma on clients our services are offered in culturally sensitive ways;
How do you contact the CILS DV Unit?
- 760.746-8941 ext. 106 – Please leave a detailed message and a SAFE phone number to call back
- Call 911 in cases of emergency
Please note that advocates sometimes make referrals to CILS. In such cases, a legal advocate will contact the survivor directly to do an intake and explain our services. The legal advocate will then discuss the facts with an attorney regarding whether additional information is needed and what CILS can offer the survivor. The legal advocate cannot give legal advice, however.
Survivors drive their cases; CILS will follow their wishes on which steps to take and work at their pace. CILS staff is unable to report to the referring advocate without the survivor’s written consent.
