Saturday, January 30, 1999
Domestic violence, sex assault information available by phone
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
For victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, the Cincinnati Bar Association's library of taped legal information has proved a valuable tool.
“It's a new resource for us to use to help clients get more information about the legal system,” said Ann MacDonald, executive director of Cincinnati-based Women Helping Women Inc. The agency provides crisis intervention and support services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims.
The Lawline library, which is free, was recently updated to include information on alternative dispute resolution and divorce mediation.
“A lot of people don't know what their basic rights are in certain areas. So, this is a helpful program to let you know your rights in certain situations,” said Kristina Klopp, bar association director of communications.
Lawline is updated for law changes by volunteers, mostly local attorneys.
Mark Hoch's voice can be heard on most of the recordings.
“People really needed access to information to empower themselves to make informed decisions about the law,” said Mr. Hoch, an adjunct professor who teaches legal research at Northern Kentucky University.
“Ninety-nine percent of the time, if they have the information, they can make decisions for themselves,” said Mr. Hoch, who's not an attorney.
Officials stress that the library is not a substitute for legal advice.
Lawline was developed in 1981, discontinued in 1991, and re-established in 1994. The CBA's Community Service Committee decided the library was “too valuable a public service” to lose.
Since 1994, more than 17,000 people have used Lawline. The most frequently accessed topics include bankruptcy procedures, adoption, dissolution of marriage, evictions, rights and duties of landlords and tenants, and buying and selling a home.
Other topics: civil, consumer, business, criminal, social security, malpractice, immigration, wills, estates and transfers.
Lawline is funded by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the Cincinnati Bar Foundation and the Cincinnati Bar Association.
Call for legal advice
• Callers can access more than 80 basic legal topics 24hours daily by calling (513) 381-LAWS (5297).
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