Peace House advocate certified to help domestic violence survivors seek protective orders
The Park City nonprofit says survivors can get legal guidance without hiring an attorney.
Based on reporting by The Park Record. Read the original story →
Peace House legal advocate coordinator Michelle Benham has been certified as a domestic violence community justice advocate, the Park Record reported. She completed a 12-week course through Community Justice Advocates of Utah. Such advocates are nonlawyers who can advise and assist on civil protective orders and civil stalking injunctions. [1]
Benham said she helps survivors decide which type of protective order they may qualify for, drafts the order, prepares them for court hearings and sits with them at the counsel's table. "We're able to provide something that they don't have to hire an attorney for," she told the Park Record. She said she cannot advise on custody issues but can point clients to free legal services. [1]
Peace House works with victim advocates at the Park City Police Department and the Summit County Attorney's Office, according to the Park Record. In fiscal 2025 the nonprofit served 439 clients, sheltered 176 of them and provided legal services to 155. [1]
Chief programs officer Liz Watson said survivors can use Peace House services even if they decide against a protective order. The nonprofit's 24/7 helpline is 1-800-647-9161, and people in immediate danger should call 911, the Park Record reported. [1]
Sources
This story was written by AI from the report by The Park Record, which has the full story. How we write stories.