Dear PoPville

Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve recently been a victim of domestic violence, and I spent weeks trying to figure out what I needed to do to help myself and where I could go to do just that. Trying to navigate uncharted legal territory when you’re confused and scared for your own safety is NOT fun. There are plenty of great resources and options for domestic violence victims in DC, but it took a lot of work and dedication to figure out what they are. I decided to compile a list of the resources and information that I found throughout my process in hopes that it might help someone else in the future. There are probably more resources out there, but these are the ones I know of:

Some awesome resources

DC Safe: If you need to get a restraining order (see below on this) the Domestic Violence Unit at the DC Courthouse SHOULD refer you to a group called DC Safe. If they don’t, contact them yourself (walk-in office hours 8:30am-4pm M-F; DC Superior Courthouse: 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Suite 4550 and United Medical Center: 1320 Southern Ave SE, Room 311). They will provide you with information about other resources, assign you an advocate to help you with your case, and answer any questions you might have. They can’t provide legal advice, but they will try to put you in touch with a pro-bono lawyer if you want them to.

DCVLP: The D.C. Volunteer Lawyers Project . This is an AMAZING resource for many reasons. They represent domestic violence victims pro-bono. They offer a free legal clinic for domestic violence victims every week. They are super serious and dedicated to helping victims.

The Women’s Center: The Women’s Center has locations in Vienna, VA and downtown DC. They provide counseling to abuse and assault victims, educational programs, group therapy sessions, and much more.

DASH: District Alliance for Safe Housing provides safe housing for domestic violence victims in DC.

MSP: My Sister’s Place also provides safe housing for domestic violence victims

Crime Victims Compensation Fund: If you have incurred expenses because you’ve been a victim of a crime (hospital bills, changing your locks, relocating, theft, etc.), you can apply to this fund for reimbursement or direct payment of your expenses. They’ll cover up to a certain amount depending on the expense type, but they will pay for a LOT of various things.

Doorways (In Arlington, VA):
Doorways helps with homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault. They have a 24 hour hotline, should you have any questions or concerns. They have 2 safe houses, offer court advocacy assistance, financial planning assistance, and more.

LawHelp.org info: Website with a lot of good, general information on domestic violence, getting help, and preparing for court.

Civil Protection Orders (Restraining Orders) (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Miki J.

“Dear PoPville,

I was the victim of a recent robbery (one of a number you’ve blogged about). As if dealing with authorities and insurance in the aftermath wasn’t enough, we keep getting recent visits from a woman who has been coming by a few times a day, unannounced. Not knowing who she was and not expecting anyone (especially at the hour she was here) we did not answer. After incessantly ringing the doorbell on her 4th or 5th visit in the last 24 hours, I finally answered it. She asked to speak with one of the people I live with, and then the other. She acted like they were already familiar, when in fact I knew she did not know them. When I explained I was the homeowner and invited her to introduce herself, she refused, and would not discuss ‘confidential’ matters with me. She said she would keep returning until she reached them. (more…)

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rob

A succinct one today, a reader is looking for “Best Drycleaners?”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Raymond Bryson

“Dear PoPville,

I’m writing to ask if anyone knows what the deal is with the guy who looks to be a priest in full regalia delivering very theatrical sermons waving a large crucifix who can sometimes be found weekday mornings at rush hour on Pennsylvania Avenue NW in between the bike lanes. I can’t tell if he’s for real/what his message is as each time I see him I’m speeding by on my bike and can’t stop (and have no pictures for the same reason) and no web searches have delivered his story. Thanks for helping me solve this mystery which admittedly adds some spice to my morning commute!”

Elliot Mitchell

“Dear PoPville,

Last night I visited a grocery store in a nearby neighborhood [I don’t want to put them on blast because I love the store, and because I don’t know if they are to blame] for a few things, paid using my credit card, and went about my evening.

This morning, I happened to log into my cc account and noticed two pending fraudulent charges on my account. My first thought was FU-K! Finally, my card has been hacked from one of the numerous stores/banks/etc that’s been hacked in recent years. Then I looked into the charges and realized they were both from places within 0.5 miles of the grocery store I visited last night. My immediate assumption- someone stole my info at the store. My knowledge of credit card thievery is naive, to say the least, so I have no idea if I should be blaming a fellow grocery-goer for swiping my card info with one of those magic card swipers I’ve heard about, or if the person who checked me out had something fishy going on. But I hadn’t used that card anywhere else in the area for a few days, and the proximity of the fraudulent charges just seemed like the grocery store (or someone who was there) was the likely culprit. (more…)

A reader writes:

“They are just up from the entrance to the VA hospital on Irving near Michigan Ave. I’ve always wanted to ask them about it but I’m always driving.”

Anyone else notice these tents? Anyone happen to know if they’re in need of assistance?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Bossi

“Dear PoPville,

Our Rowhouse has an English Basement. We have had a number of guests use it and complain of an oil-like smell. The smell is stronger towards the front by our front porch. We tried sealing that back wall, but that stopped it temporarily. I am afraid that there may be an oil tank that was not filled in completely. Has anyone had experience with something like this? Did you have to get the oil tank dug out, or filled in? If it was underneath a porch- how did they do it? Who on earth do you hire for this type of work.”