Beginning in 2022, City of Atlanta ATL311 partnered with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) to facilitate outreach to individuals experiencing intimate partner abuse or domestic violence. AVLF responds to the following domestic violence calls: someone needing assistance with filing a temporary protective order, safety planning, emotional support, counseling referrals, emergency financial assistance (when available), education referrals for the abuser. 

The Standing with Survivors (SWS) team meets survivors of domestic violence where they are- in the community at a mutually convenient location to provide onsite supportive services regarding their domestic violence situation. The SWS team is a non-emergent, non-police response that can provide domestic violence resources to help survivors reach safety and self-sufficiency. A team will respond to non-violent domestic violence referrals to provide comprehensive wrap-around assistance to survivors who need protection from an abuser. They work with the Fulton County Courts and other organizations to provide survivors with the assistance they need to exit a domestic violence situation in a safe and dignified manner. 

The team can assist survivors with filing for a temporary protective order, locating counseling and housing services, and serve as advocates on survivors’ behalf to police and the court. They also provide referrals for an abuser to receive educational intervention services. SWS Mobile Advocacy Unit can respond anywhere in Fulton County but is based on the Westside of Atlanta and targets the English Avenue, Castleberry Hill, Vine City, and Washington Park neighborhoods, Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. If you are interested in receiving information from AVLF regarding domestic violence and/or intimate partner abuse resource assistance, contact ATL311 Monday – Friday 7am - 7pm. 

Depending on the nature of the request, AVLF’s Standing with Survivors Mobile Advocacy Unit will respond to requests within 24-36 business hours via phone; some requests may be designated as in-person outreach. The Standing with Survivors Mobile Advocacy Unit will attempt to address individuals’ immediate needs and connect to resources but will never transport or engage with an individual who does not consent. 

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation