17. Legal Eagle Becomes a Champion Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Abuse
Maisha Colter, CEO of AVDA in Texas, discusses her extensive background in social work and law, emphasizing her transition from social work to law to better advocate for vulnerable populations, particularly children and women. AVDA provides legal services for thousands every year, focusing on family court cases and economic abuse. Maisha highlights the organizations BIPP program, which educates abusers on gender roles and communication, and its annual interfaith workshop to train faith leaders on supporting domestic violence survivors. AVDA also conducts various community outreach events and toy drives. Maisha emphasizes the importance of safety planning and self-care for survivors.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Maisha shares her background and extensive travel due to parents' military careers.
Maisha discusses her education history, starting with a bachelors' in policy studies and social work in New York.
She explains her decision to pursue social work instead of law, working with children in foster care and doing family reunification.
Maisha shares how her experiences as a social worker led her back to law school to finish her studies.
She discusses the benefits of having both social work and legal skills, particularly in advocating for vulnerable populations like women and children.
Maisha explains the evolution of domestic abuse support, particularly in recognizing and addressing financial abuse.
Maisha provides examples of economic abuse, which often involves isolation from financial decision making.
She outlines the legal services offered by AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) including divorce, custody, child support and property issues.
Maisha explains in depth AVDA's BIPP program, which targets indivduals convicted on family violence crime, providing re-education on gender roles and communication.
Maisha discusses AVDA's Interfaith workship and vigil, to educate faith leaders in recognizing and support survivors of domestic abuse.
Maisha shares the challenges of reaching out to many diverse communities and the importance of culturally specific community organizations.
She mentions upcoming events and a gala in 2025.
Maisha emphasizes to survivors the importances of safety planning and seeking resources in advance of leaving, as well as after leaving the relationship.
She highlights that the survivor of domestic abuse needs continuing resources and support, which can be found through contacting a local domestic violence organization.
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