One Year of Advocacy: Celebrating Impact Through Legal Support
On July 26, 2024, Project R.E.S.T. launched the Legal Advocacy Services Program with one mission in mind: to stand beside survivors of domestic and sexual violence as they navigated the legal system—offering protection, guidance, and hope. Today, we are proud to celebrate one year of life-changing impact.
Thanks to the unwavering support from our community and funders, our Legal Advocacy Services Program has already made a powerful difference.
Gallery from Project R.E.S.T.’s Open House on July 26, 2024, celebrating the launch of the Legal Advocacy Services Program.
A Year in Review: Impact by the Numbers
Over the past year, our Legal Advocacy Services Program has made measurable strides in supporting survivors through the legal system.
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204 total clients received Legal Advocacy Services in 2024
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57% success rate increase in Orders of Protection
(An increase from 29% in 2023 to 86% by December 2024) -
45 Orders of Protection filed
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39 Orders of Protection granted
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9 Orders of Protection dismissed by clients after filing or granting
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99 clients received Legal Safety Planning Services
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81 free legal consultations provided
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38 clients represented in court by a Project R.E.S.T. Attorney
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31 clients received in-court support from a Project R.E.S.T. Court Advocate
Each number represents a survivor who was not alone—someone who had compassionate, competent legal support at a critical moment.
What the Legal Advocacy Services Program Does
Our program offers free legal consultations, assistance with Orders of Protection, and court representation for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Our legal team works closely with clients to create individualized safety plans, prepare legal documents, and ensure survivors have the information and support needed to pursue justice safely.
Whether it’s our Managing Attorney standing beside a client in court, our Bilingual Court Advocate offering language and cultural support, or our Paralegal and Legal Assistant guiding clients through each legal step—our team is committed to making sure no one faces the legal system alone.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This milestone would not be possible without the generosity and partnership of our key supporters of the Legal Advocacy Services Program:
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The South Carolina Bar Foundation — Funded our Managing Attorney position, allowing us to provide direct legal representation to survivors.
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The Estate of Dottie Broyles — Provided a generous gift to furnish the new courthouse suite, creating a more welcoming and comfortable environment for survivors.
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Spartanburg County — Made it possible for Project R.E.S.T. to be hosted inside the new county courthouse, giving survivors direct access to legal advocacy services in a secure and supportive setting.
Together, these contributions are transforming lives and ensuring no survivor has to navigate the legal system alone.
As we reflect on this incredible first year, we are filled with hope and gratitude. Every story of courage, every step toward safety, and every victory reminds us why this work matters. With your continued support, we’ll keep walking alongside survivors—helping them find strength, justice, and a brighter tomorrow. Here’s to many more years of healing and hope together!
