TBTN Legal Team Standards of Care

Law Firms displaying the Take Back The Night Foundation’s “TBTN Legal Team” seal are committed to ensuring survivors of sexual violence in any form are provided with trauma-informed support and legal services that are respectful of their experience and healing process.  These firms agree to:

1. Maintain a practice of inclusion and respect.

1. 1. Welcome prospective clients of any demographic identity, including gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, etc.
   2. Encourage prospective clients to let them know about any special needs or questions they may have at any time.
   3. Ensure tissues and water are available to those interacting with their firm during in-person meetings.
   4. Ensure restroom options are available for those who do not identify as male or female.

2. Provide a safe and comfortable experience.

1. 1. Honor each survivor’s place in their healing journey and respect that every person heals on their own timeline.
   2. Refrain from physical contact, such as hugs, with prospective clients and clients unless the person clearly and expressly indicates they are comfortable with physical contact.
   3. Provide the option to take a break at any time in discussions, questioning, interviews, and other communications. This option is shared at the beginning of any verbal communication, whether via phone, FaceTime, Zoom, or in person.
   4. Ensure in-person meetings are conducted in spaces that provide confidentiality while maintaining options for transparency.
   5. Ensure meetings are conducted with the option for any prospective client or client to bring along a support person.

3. Provide options prioritizing the well-being of the survivor and their empowerment.

1. 1. Honor any survivor’s need to take a break or slow the pace of a case based on their mental and physical well-being.
   2. Provide as many options to the survivor as possible, including options that may not maximize the financial profit for the firm.
   3. Prioritize and respect the informed decisions of each survivor.
   4. Provide the TBTNF list of resources and support options to each survivor whether or not their case is taken by the firm.
   5. Refrain from taking cases in which a conflict of interest may occur for the survivor, such as representing both the victim and defendant in a sexual abuse case.