Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Civil Legal Services

Since 2015, the Wisconsin Legislature and Governor have approved a modest annual appropriation for civil legal services to eligible individuals who are victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse (DVSA). This program is authorized by Wis. Stat. 49.1635(5)(a).

You can find our most recent report to the state about the DVSA Civil Legal Services program on our annual reports page. 

Fund source

The funding for this program comes from Wisconsin's allocation of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding.

The funding is passed through the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) for a WisTAF-administered grant program providing legal services statewide in civil matters related to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or restraining orders or injunctions for individuals at risk under Wis. Stat. 813.123.

Client eligibility

Services are limited to clients with children who meet the financial eligibility rules for TANF services.

Application process

We typically hold an open application process for this program commencing in February.

2025-2026 grant recipients