EmPOWERing Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Advocates
…Finding a Path Forward
Zoom Webinar
September 8, 2023
9:00 am – 10:30 am
In recognition of the high rates of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, Congress enacted the Pro Bono Work to Empower and Represent Act of 2018 (“POWER Act”). The POWER Act seeks to highlight the severity of these issues, and educate and encourage attorneys to assist those affected by domestic violence by offering free legal representation.
In furtherance of the goals of the POWER Act, the Honorable Mark S. Davis and the Honorable Michael F. Urbanski, of the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, respectively, have partnered with the Washington County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, the Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society, Abuse Alternatives, Inc., Tazewell County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and the Tazewell County Victim/Witness Assistance Program to provide a FREE online ZOOM webinar.
Attendees will learn about the domestic violence issues faced by our community and where victims can find resources. Attendees will also learn about trauma informed practices and obtaining various types of protective orders in the Virginia state courts. Virginia MCLE credit will be sought.
Our special guest speakers will include:
- Honorable Mark S. Davis, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- Honorable Michael F. Urbanski, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
- Honorable Florence A. Powell, Presiding Judge of the Washington County J&DR Court and J&DR Judge of the 28th Judicial District
- The Honorable Howard Lee Chitwood, Presiding Judge of the Pulaski County J&DR Court and J&DR Judge of the 27th Judicial District
- Judy Clark, Director of Outreach Services for Abuse Alternatives, Inc. , Bristol, VA
- Dennis Lee, Esq., Tazewell County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Teresa Layne, Director, Tazewell County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
| The Honorable Mark S. Davis, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ~ Welcome ~ Comments regarding the POWER Act and the importance of pro bono representation |
| The Honorable Michael F. Urbanski, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia ~ Comments regarding the POWER Act and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 |
| Judy Clark, Director of Outreach Services for Abuse Alternatives, Inc., Bristol, Virginia ~ Discussion regarding the human impact of domestic violence, legal issues surrounding domestic violence cases, and best practices when assisting individuals with domestic violence-related cases |
| Roundtable Panel/Questions: Panel discussion with current legal professionals regarding best practices when assisting those with domestic violence-related issues in the Virginia state courts Moderator: Joseph Carico, Esq., Executive Director, Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society Panelists: The Honorable Florence A. Powell, Presiding Judge of the Washington County J&DR Court and J&DR Judge of the 28th Judicial District Dennis Lee, Esq., Tazewell County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Teresa Layne, Director, Tazewell County Victim/Witness Assistance Program The Honorable Howard Lee Chitwood, Presiding Judge of the Pulaski County J&DR Court and J&DR Judge of the 27th Judicial District |
| CLOSING REMARKS |
Judy Clark
Judy Clark is the Director of Outreach Services for Abuse Alternatives, Inc. She has been with the agency since 2011. Judy completed the Virginia Victim Assistance Academy and has received certification as a Nationally Accredited Victim’s Advocate. She received certification as a Sexual Response Advocate in November 2020.
She provides direct services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through crisis intervention; personal advocacy in civil and criminal court proceedings; safety and safe exit planning; assisting to address basic needs of clients and their children; housing, employment, and numerous other referrals to other agencies. Judy also supervises court advocates in Abingdon, VA, Bristol, VA, and Sullivan County, TN.
Judy is a member of the VA Action Alliance SW Region Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Task Force; the Emory & Henry College Coordinated Community Response Team; The Violence Prevention Collaborative; she is the Co-Chair of the Washington County and City of Bristol, VA Domestic Violence Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) and Chair of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART); and a member of the Region 4 Department of Criminal Justice Crisis Response Team (CRT).
Judy is a trainer of the Bringing in the Bystander In-Person Prevention Program created by the University of New Hampshire and Prevention Innovations Research Center, at Emory & Henry College and she is part of a team of professionals trained by the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life to provide education to law enforcement geared specifically toward victims of violence over the age of 50.
Judy was one of the recipients of the 2023 Virginia Attorney General Office’s Unsung Hero Award recognizing Virginians who provide exemplary service and support to victims of crime in Virginia.