Articles

Building a SAFeR System: Preventing Tragedy in Child Custody Outcomes

By Kaitlyn Baker, Intern, National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence When the justice system fails to protect its most vulnerable, the effects are tragic. On June 2, 2025, the bodies of three young sisters-Paityn, Evelyn, and Olivia Decker-were discovered, murdered, in a Washington campground. Paityn was 9 years…

#Children and Teens #Gender Based Violence #News

BWJP Welcomes Brittany Tucker, as the new Senior Project Manager/Staff Attorney of the Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP)

I’m a Michigander through and through, I’ve lived in other places but there’s no place like home. I received my law degree and doctoral degree from Michigan State University, GO GREEN, GO WHITE, where I studied family dynamics, race and ethnicity, and law and society. Prior to coming to BWJP,…

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BWJP Welcomes Rosario de la Torre, as the new Senior Community and Advocacy Liaison , National Systems Change and Advocacy Center 

Rosario de la Torre, a proud Latina from Mexico City, came to the United States in 1986 with her parents and siblings to attended school and learn English, with the idea of returning one day. For the last 30 years Rosario has been devoted to support survivors in the areas…

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BWJP Welcomes Avery-Grace Blanco, as the new Project Assistant for SAVES National Clearing House, National Legal Center on Childrenand Domestic Violence

Avery-Grace Blanco has been working with survivors and their families for nine years, since she was a senior in high school. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in three years from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and took graduate level coursework focused on human rights and social justice…

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Introducing the National Restraining Order Center (NROC) Expanding Safety and Access for Survivors  

Introducing the National Restraining Order Center (NROC) Expanding Safety and Access for Survivors    At BWJP, we are committed to strengthening legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence. That’s why we’re launching the National Restraining Order Center (NROC)—a new, comprehensive Center that expands our work on restraining orders to better serve…

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Money Changes Everything! Why Child Support Matters

By: Esther Aparicio, Esq., SAVES Attorney Advisor “Why don’t you just leave?” It’s a question many survivors of domestic violence hear all too often—one that is not only hurtful and judgmental but dangerously overlooks the increased risks that survivors face when trying to escape an abusive situation. For many, escaping…

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The Fire We Ignored: What Cody Balmer’s Case Reveals About Domestic Violence

By Diana Griffin, Esq. Attorney Advisor, National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence This April, as we honor Child Abuse Awareness Month, we are reminded that every child is not guaranteed safety in their home. The recent incident, where Cody Balmer set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s residence, highlights…

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Loving Out Loud: Navigating Queer Teen Dating Violence Amidst Political Turbulence 

By Alyssa Toledo, Communications Associate I've spent most of my life searching for freedom.  As a queer, Mexican American kid growing up in a turbulent home, I learned early how to survive by making myself small—by hiding, by quieting my voice, by pretending everything was fine. But survival isn't the…

#Children and Teens #Gender Based Violence #LGBTQ+ #News

BWJP Welcomes Esther Aparicio, as the new Attorney Advisor for SAVES

Esther is passionate about advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. Prior to joining BWJP, Esther worked for Northeast New Jersey Legal services providing legal representation in all areas of family law. More recently, Esther served as a Senior Staff Attorney at Partners, representing survivors of domestic violence in final restraining…

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BWJP 2025 Goals: Supporting Survivors and Changing Systems  

By BWJP Staff As we start 2025, many people set goals to improve their lives. These goals might include saving money, getting healthier, or fixing things they struggled with before. While personal goals help us grow and may change throughout the years, BWJP stays focused on our mission to promote…

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