October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and PALawHELP.org provides a breadth of resources domestic violence victims and advocates. PALawHELP.org is part of the national LawHelp.org network of nonprofit legal information portals.

Resources accessible from PALawHELP.org include where victims of domestic violence can obtain help in their communities from programs affiliated with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as easy-to-understand information about what constitutes domestic violence and how to get orders of protection. Information is also provided on issues around housing rights, public benefits and children; and the needs of special populations such as immigrants.

In addition to legal information PALawHELP.org also provides information on where you can find your local legal aid organization to assist you in getting protection, and on other related legal issues that arise as a result of domestic violence. PALawHELP.org also contains listing of all Courts of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Justices in Pennsylvania and information on special services offered by various courts to assist victims of domestic violence.

PALawHELP.org is Pennsylvania’s online source of free legal aid referrals, know-your-rights information and a variety of self-help tools. PALawHELP.org is maintained by the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Pro Bono Net, a nonprofit leader in increasing access to justice for the disadvantaged. PALawHELP.org was launched in December 2003 and now serves more than 100,000 visitors a year. The LawHelp.org network was developed with support from the Legal Services Corporation.