ICAA Receives $57,500 In Funding To Provide Services To Survivors Of Domestic Violence

News Release

Ladysmith, WI -- Indianhead Community Action Agency (ICAA) has been awarded two grants that will supplement their Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) program over the next year. The LAV program will provide free legal services to survivors of domestic violence in the counties of Burnett, Clark, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, and Washburn beginning July 1, 2021.

$50,000 was awarded to ICAA by WisTAF (Wisconsin Trust Account Fund), to assist with the cost of legal representation for low-income survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. These funds, along with a partnership with Wisconsin Judicare and other local attorneys, will ensure that survivors receive the legal representation and guidance they need to free themselves from their abusers while supporting them in their personal lives through job placement, housing assistance, and more.

“We’ve seen a rise in the number of domestic violence incidences throughout the last year,” said Rachel Stilwell, the LAV program’s director, “this grant gives us an opportunity to make a real impact for those who are in need. The cost of legal representation can be so high that many survivors feel they are stuck in the cycle of abuse. We are working hard to make sure that survivors know they have options, and we are here to support them any way we can.”

$15,000 was awarded to ICAA by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, half of which will be used to cover the cost of confidential cellphones that LAV clients can use. This will increase the level of confidentiality that is needed to keep survivors safe. The other half of the funding will be used to cover the expenses of cellphones and data plans for low-income community members who are unable to make ends meet due to financial constraints created by COVID-19.

If you or someone you know is in need of legal representation or guidance for any instance of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking, contact ICAA’s LAV program today at (715) 532-4222 to talk to a LAV Case Manager.

For more information about ICAA, call 715-532-4222 or visit www.indianheadcaa.org.

About ICAA: Indianhead Community Action Agency, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 Charitable Organization and an equal opportunity employer and provider operating under an Affirmative Action plan.