The U.S. Senate has passed legislation aimed at promoting pro bono legal services for domestic violence victims.
The bill was introduced by Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan. It would require that U.S. attorneys in each district annually hold at least one event with those providing services to domestic violence victims and a volunteer lawyer project promoting pro bono legal help.
It’s similar to an idea Sullivan promoted as state attorney general. Sullivan said he’s grateful that many lawyers in Alaska continue providing free legal help to victims.
Sullivan says Alaska has unacceptably high rates of sexual assault and domestic violence. He said the bill, if it passes Congress, will help make a difference.
North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a former attorney general of her state, was a co-sponsor.
