Sexual Violence Law Center - Seattle, WA

Holistic Legal Justice for Survivors

The Sexual Violence Law Center (SVLC) is a groundbreaking non-profit law firm based in Seattle, dedicated to protecting the civil rights, privacy, and safety of sexual violence survivors. As the only legal aid program of its kind in Washington State, SVLC fills a critical gap in the justice system. While prosecutors handle criminal charges, SVLC attorneys stand by the survivor to handle everything else. Their mission is to improve the legal response to sexual violence through direct representation, centering their work on race and gender equity. They provide a 'holistic' legal defense, meaning they don't just solve one problem; they address the web of legal issues that often arise after an assault, from housing instability to employment discrimination.

Comprehensive Survivor Representation

SVLC staff attorneys provide direct representation in a wide array of civil legal matters. They are experts in securing Sexual Assault Protection Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders to keep survivors safe. Beyond safety, they fight for Privacy Rights, preventing the release of sensitive medical or counseling records in court. They also handle Title IX cases for students, Employment disputes for workers facing retaliation, and Immigration relief (such as U-Visas) for non-citizen survivors. Their trauma-informed approach ensures that the legal process itself does not become a source of further harm.

• Legal Resource Line: A statewide hotline offering immediate legal advice and referrals to survivors.
• Direct Representation: Staff attorneys represent clients in court hearings, ensuring their voice is heard.
• Intersectional Advocacy: deeply committed to serving marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ and indigenous survivors.
• Privacy Protection: Fighting to keep survivors' names and histories out of the public record.

Located in the Central Building

The center operates out of the historic Central Building on 3rd Avenue, placing them close to the King County Courthouse and other legal services. While they generally do not accept walk-ins to protect client confidentiality, their central location allows their attorneys to be effective advocates in the downtown courts. If you are a survivor seeking a lawyer who understands that justice is about more than just a conviction, the Sexual Violence Law Center is your steadfast ally. 🎗️