[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SUPPORTING THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2017

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Legal Services 
Corporation and its important work across the country in facilitating 
civil legal aid for those in need.
  Civil legal aid is one of the most effective strategies for helping 
victims of domestic violence and that is why our federal government 
must make a strong investment in the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), 
which administers federal funding for civil legal aid.
  From my over 33 years in law enforcement, I know all too well that 
unlike people who commit crimes, victims do not always have the same 
opportunity for an attorney. For a low-income individual in need of 
help with a civil legal issue, paying expensive legal fees for an 
attorney is not an option. And for people who are in abusive 
relationships, the thought of navigating the legal system alone can 
often be what keeps them from leaving their abuser.
  Research shows that providing an attorney can reduce the number of 
domestic violence victims by as much as 21 percent. A 2015 study out of 
King County, WA, where I was the Sheriff, found that when survivors 
received legal representation they were 85 percent more likely to have 
child visitation rights denied to the abusive parent, 77 percent more 
likely to have restrictions placed on the abusive parent's child 
visitation, and 47 percent more likely to have treatment ordered for 
the abusive parent.
  Our great nation was founded on the principle of justice for all, not 
just for those who can afford it. When low-income families and 
survivors of domestic violence are forced to face the justice system on 
their own, it is a failure of our society. As the appropriations 
process moves forward, I urge you to support and strengthen funding for 
the Legal Services Corporation.

                          ____________________