Removing the Language Barrier
Ms. C's story.

A mother of three young children, Ms. C, was living with the father of her children at the time she contacted the API Unit's Chinese language line. She had been subjected to emotional and sexual abuse throughout the relationship and was completely financially dependent on the father, who gave her little money to care for the home and the children.

She did not know her rights as the mother of the children and was afraid to leave the home. She was limited-English speaking, and with the help of our Chinese-speaking law clerks, API Unit attorneys advised the mother to move-out with her children and helped her obtain government benefits.

At the same time, API unit attorneys prepared and filed a paternity action and represented her at three hearings, enabling her to obtain primary custody of the children and a child support order.

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