Legal Advocacy

Our legal advocates and volunteers provide assistance with the 209a restraining order process in Probate Court and the following 5 district courts in Essex County: Salem, Lynn, Peabody, Gloucester, and Ipswich. Advocates can assist you in  completing the necessary paperwork and will explain the law regarding restraining orders.

Legal advocates can accompany you in probate court for any domestic violence related matter, on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Sheila Radziewicz at 978-744-2299 x24 ASAP to schedule an advocate.

Legal advocates maintain a regular schedule in the 5 district courts and can accompany you on the following schedule (an appointment is not necessary within these hours):

Salem & Lynn: M-F 9am-1pm
Peabody: Monday 9am-11am
Gloucester: Mon., Thurs., Fri. 9am-11:30am
Ipswich: 2nd & 4th Tuesday, every Thursday 9am-11:30am

*If you need an advocate outside of these hours, please call the hotline (978-744-6841) or the HAWC office (978-744-8552) for assistance.

When you meet with a HAWC advocate, they will explain what happens at the 10 day hearing.  While restraining orders do not always work by themselves, they send a powerful message that "the abuse must stop."

Through the Family Law Clinic, HAWC provides clients with the opportunity to meet with an attorney by appointment for legal advice. (Please note that this program does NOT include court representation.) Call the Salem Office to set up an appointment: 978-744-8552.

HAWC also has a collaborative relationship with Neighborhood Legal Services in Lynn and will try to assist clients who cannot afford legal assistance.

If you have any questions about  restraining orders, please call our hotline or contact a legal advocate.  

Legal Advocates for the 5 district courts can be accessed by calling and leaving a detailed message at the following locations:

Salem HAWC Office:
Sheila Radziewicz, 978-744-2299 x 24

Ipswich Outreach Office:
Clara Gaudette-Clark, 978-356-3817
Available by appointment on:
Mondays 9am - 12:30pm
Thursdays 1-5pm

Gloucester Outreach Office:
Clara Gaudette-Clark, 978-283-8642

Lynn Outreach Office:
Joanne Stinson, 978-592-9900

Lynn Police Department:
Natalia Quinones, 978-592-9900 x11

Beverly Domestic Violence Unit:
Paula Pearce, 978-922-1155

Beverly Domestic Violence Unit
Tina Nieves, (978) 922-1155
See also information about HAWC's Emergency Advocacy Response Team (HEART).