Helena- The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) recently received a contract from the Northern Cheyenne Tribe under their Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. MLSA will receive $40,604 over two years to fund the Tribal Survivors Legal Project to provide civil legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
American Indian survivors of domestic violence have limited access to representation for civil legal needs, leaving them stuck feeling they cannot escape abusive situations. One landmark study has concluded that the single most important factor in determining whether a woman escapes domestic abuse is her access to civil legal services. The CTAS contract will provide additional funding for civil legal services for survivors of domestic violence, so survivors can break free from violence. MLSA will partner with the Northern Cheyenne Healing Hearts domestic violence program to help women escape violence.
The tribal Survivors Legal Project is just one way that MLSA provides equal justice to all Montanans. Civil legal aid from MLSA assures fairness for all in the justice system, regardless of how much money a person has, and helps Montanans protect their livelihoods, their health, and their families.