After escaping an abusive relationship, survivors can be faced with numerous civil legal issues.

Some require an order of protection against their former partner, while others are looking at custody battles or even immigration issues.

Six local organizations are among the 61 across New York State set to receive grant money to hire attorneys to assist domestic violence victims navigate their legal issues. The Legal Aid Society of Rochester is receiving $111,000, which it will use to place an in-house attorney at the Willow Domestic Violence Center to work with clients.  

"It will be kind of a one-stop-shop for them,” said Elizabeth Cronin, director of the state’s Office of Victim’s Services. “They won't have to try to go out and find their own lawyer. Someone who knows the system, who knows the kind of needs they have, will be right there to help them.”

Besides helping the survivor navigate the process, an attorney can provide emotional support for victims who are forced to relive their trauma during their testimony.

"When you're in the courtroom, it is an intimidating setting, to be sitting there in the chair and the judge is up there and it's all very formal and very unusual," said Meaghan de Chateauvieux, the CEO of Willow Domestic Violence Center.

The State Office of Victim's Services has also begun a pilot program to create an online portal that would allow survivors to do their own research. They plan to launch the program state-wide by the end of next year.