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Taking legal action against a perpetrator can feel intimidating and discouraging. Below are some resources aimed at supporting sexual violence survivors in their journey to justice. If there are resources you know of that aren't listed, please share them with us at the bottom of the page. Thank you!
In Montana, there are many resources advocating for queer resources such as name changes, gender affirming healthcare, etc. Nearly all of the resources listed below include information on these matters and we encourage you to look at them. However, for the focus on MT A.R.I.S.E., we have decided to focus on sexual violence response for queer folks in this legal action section. Some of these resources also contain general sexual violence response, but we included them due to their explanation of the complex legal processes. As always, let us know if you have any questions.
Missoula
Crime Victim Advocates
Missoula County's Crime Victim Advocates (CVA) is a program with free, confidential, and ongoing support for survivors of sexual violence, stalking, and relationship violence by offering advocacy and resource information in civil and criminal matter.
CVA's Director, Celedina Coss, is featured on Episode 6 of the MT A.R.I.S.E. podcast where she elaborates on the program's function and logistics of the legal process following an act of sexual violence.
Website: https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/civil-criminal-justice/crime-victim-advocate-program
Phone: (406) 258-3830
Email: cva@missoulacounty.us
Address: 317 Woody Street
Missoula, MT 59802
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Montana Legal Services Association - Missoula
Missoula Legal Staff
Helena
Montana Legal Services Association - Helena
For over fifty years, this private, nonprofit law firm has provided non-criminal information, advice, and representation for thousands of Montanans every year. Following the national motto “Justice for all”, their mission is to protect and enhance the civil legal rights of and promote systemic change for Montanans living in poverty.
MLSA Website: https://www.mtlsa.org
Resource Map: https://www.mtlsa.org/resource-map/
Helpline: 1-800-666-6899
Available Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Apply for legal assistance online: https://mtoi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=69&h=1e34a2) or over the phone
Helena Location: 616 Helena Avenue Suite 100
Helena, MT 59601
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Billings
Montana Legal Services Association - Billings
For over fifty years, this private, nonprofit law firm has provided non-criminal information, advice, and representation for thousands of Montanans every year. Following the national motto “Justice for all”, their mission is to protect and enhance the civil legal rights of and promote systemic change for Montanans living in poverty.
MLSA Website: https://www.mtlsa.org
Resource Map: https://www.mtlsa.org/resource-map/
Helpline: 1-800-666-6899
Available Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Apply for legal assistance online: https://mtoi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=69&h=1e34a2) or over the phone
Billings location: 207 North Broadway Suite 430
Billings, MT 59101
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Livingston
Montana Legal Services Association - Livingston
For over fifty years, this private, nonprofit law firm has provided non-criminal information, advice, and representation for thousands of Montanans every year. Following the national motto “Justice for all”, their mission is to protect and enhance the civil legal rights of and promote systemic change for Montanans living in poverty.
MLSA Website: https://www.mtlsa.org
Resource Map: https://www.mtlsa.org/resource-map/
Helpline: 1-800-666-6899
Available Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Apply for legal assistance online: https://mtoi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=69&h=1e34a2) or over the phone
Livingston location: Winslow Building
103.5 South Main Street #11
Livingston, MT 59047
Hours: by appointment only
Statewide
Montana Department of Justice
The Office of Victim Services has logistical information about the services Montana’s government provides. The CVA operates under this organization. The operation as a whole doesn’t have queer specific resources, but they are still helpful when looking at the basics of legality around sexual violence.
Linked below is their resource library for all legal victim services which is great for survivors and their supporters to learn more about sexual assault responses in general
Website: https://dojmt.gov/victim-services/resource-library/
Montana Law Help
Nationwide
Lambda Legal
Beginning as a band of volunteer lawyers who believed they could break new ground for LGBTQ+ people through the American justice system, this organization now work at every level of government to stand for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone living with HIV.
Website: https://lambdalegal.org/
National Headquarters:120 Wall Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10005
Phone: 212-809-8585
Western Regional Office: 800 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1260
Los Angeles, CA 900017
Phone: 213-382-7600