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Legal Advocates for Abused Women (LAAW) is a not-for-profit domestic violence organization dedicated to helping victims of abuse in times of crisis.

LAAW is the only domestic violence organization in the greater St. Louis area that partners with law enforcement and criminal & civil court systems to break the cycle of violence at the earliest possible stage. LAAW provides crisis intervention and support, legal information and advocacy, safety planning and legal and social service referrals for victims of abuse (primarily low income women and their children) who have been battered, stalked, or harassed. LAAW serves St. Louis City and the counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Warren, Lincoln, and Franklin.

LAAW was founded in 1986 by the National Council of Jewish Women, St. Louis Section and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. Following a planned spin-off in 1995, LAAW obtained 501(c)3 status and became an independent, not-for-profit domestic violence organization.

LAAW Programs & Services

Crisis & Legal Helpline provides crisis support, legal advocacy and information, safety planning and critical legal and social service referrals to anyone calling for assistance or information.

Free Legal Representation Program provides low-income battered women and their children with free legal representation by LAAW staff and volunteer attorneys at Order of Protection hearings within LAAW’s seven county service area.

Domestic Violence Intervention Partnership (DVIP) is a partnership with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department that responds to reported domestic violence cases. LAAW Advocates working directly with district officers and the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) provide victims with immediate one-on-one crisis intervention, safety planning, comprehensive referrals and on-going support.

Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) operates in collaboration with Family Crime Unit of the St. Louis County Police Department. The LAAW Advocate located on-site provides immediate crisis services, referrals, and on-going support to victims referred by the DVRT Detectives.

Family Court Advocate receives referrals from the Juvenile Division of the City Family Courts and works directly with adult victims of domestic violence who are involved with child abuse and neglect cases.

City and County Order of Protection Assistance Projects (COPA) is a partnership with the St. Louis City and St. Louis County Courts. LAAW Victim Assistants work from offices at the courthouses to provide immediate support, legal information, referrals, and assistance filing to petitioners of Orders of Protection.

Legal Helpline - 314.664.6699 or 1.800.527.1460