After being held hostage by her child’s father for hours, Ms. Malone came directly to the Safe Families Office to file for legal protection against him. The SFO team sprang to action and wasted no time placing her case. 

Audrey Bergeson from Smith & Lake (and AVLF’s Junior Board) volunteered to represent Ms. Malone. Audrey didn’t take any shortcuts: she expertly presented over 20 exhibits to the judge, including photos and voicemails that left no question about what had taken place. Thanks to Audrey’s extraordinary help, Ms. Malone’s abuser is not allowed to be involved in her and her daughter’s lives. The abuse will no longer be perpetuated.