MSU Law Clinic and EVE partner to empower survivors

March 27, 2025  

LANSING, MI., – End Violent Encounters Inc. (EVE), is excited to announce a partnership with Michigan State University College of Law’s family clinic, Chance at Childhood, to provide representation to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking.   

Since launching the partnership in late January, Chance at Childhood's Clinic has represented nine of EVE’s clients, changing lives by providing invaluable service and support when they needed it most.   

An EVE client, who will remain anonymous to protect her identity during an ongoing case, was connected with Chance at Childhood after filing a personal protection order on behalf of her mother. At the time, her mother lived in an assisted living facility for full-time care, where she was sexually assaulted by a fellow resident.  

“The team was very informative, answered my questions and calmed my nerves, clearly explained the process,” EVE’s client stated. “I was very thankful that we were able to have someone there with us.”   

Due to limited funding, many pro-bono attorneys and non-profit legal services are unable to meet the community's needs or keep up with the high demand for legal representation. As a result, many survivors who seek EVE’s services cannot afford an attorney to represent them at their personal protection order hearings.   

“Through our partnership with Chance at Childhood, EVE is able to bridge the gap and connect survivors with the legal representation they need,” EVE Program Director Felicity Tyll said.   

Attorney Joseph Kozakiewicz, professor of law and Director of Chance at Childhood Law Clinic, represented EVE’s client and her mother in their ongoing court case.   

“It’s still hard for us because we know and we remember, even if my mom doesn’t remember,” EVE’s client said. “[The clinic] just made that piece so much easier. I felt so supported and like we had a team representing us. Knowing that the clinic and the service is an option gives me hope.”  

Not only does Chance at Childhood provide legal support, the clinic also partners with the School of Social Work to provide survivors with social work students. Students give emotional support at hearings, leading to a unique holistic approach to legal representation that aims to support the entire person through the legal process.   

“Teams of students from law, social work, and psychology provide holistic assessments of the needs of someone in the family court system,” Kozakiewicz, professor of law and director of Chance at Childhood Law Clinic, said. “By working together, students from these three disciplines help each other understand the bigger picture of family dynamics, which includes child development, domestic violence, and other complex social and legal issues.”  

End Violent Encounters is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides supportive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and elder abuse. Founded in 1977, EVE’s mission is to support domestic and sexual abuse survivors on their journey of healing and empower our community through education and awareness.  

This press release was in partnership with Michigan State University College of Law.   

Media Contact:  

Sarah Clinkscales  

Deputy Director of Outreach, EVE Inc.  

517-993-2862  

sclinkscales@eveinc.org