The internet should be the first women’s legal resource you consult. It’s the first informational step so you can be as efficient as possible going forward. If you need legal assistance then contacting a lawyer is your next step. Most areas have a fee legal advice center where you can start your search. If you’re looking into a specific issue like domestic violence you’ll be able to find someone that works cheap or will work for free because they believe so strongly in helping women suffering from those issues.

If you’re working in a civil arena – to sue someone that assaulted you, for instance – then you should look up a firm or lawyer with experience in that arena. If the person isn’t particularly wealthy and you’re not likely to make much from the lawsuit then a lawyer sympathetic to women’s issues would be better. If you’re suing for sexual harassment in the workplace you’ll find there are firms that have a great deal of experience in that particular realm and are good at either settling cases profitably or winning in front of a jury. Either would be a benefit for you. There are vast women’s legal resources nowadays and they’re only getting bigger as the years pass.

If a woman is sexually assaulted the first thing is to get to the police or the hospital. The more evidenced that can be gathered immediately the more likely a prosecution will be successful. If the assault is a rape then a rape kit is hugely important as it can contain a great deal of useful evidence about the attacker. The problem is that the assault is hugely traumatic for women and most would prefer to forget about it entirely. If you know someone who was assaulted try your best to get them to report it, see a doctor, and pursue the punishment of the criminal with vigor. Seeing that person behind bars might be the best possible help for a victim of such a terrible crime.

A sexual assault will typically be prosecuted by the district attorney’s office. In concert with the police department they’ll take statements, gather evidence, and try to put the scumbag behind bars. If that should fail for some reason the victim still has legal options. She can file a lawsuit against the attacker. In a civil court the burden of proof is much lower and the guy is far more likely to lose if there’s even decent evidence. A bankruptcy is not as fitting a punishment as jail but a rapist should pay in any way possible. There are countless rape and assault counseling services that all victims should take advantage of.

South Dakota is a hub for anti-abortion activity on the part of the government. In 2004 the legislature passed a bill that banned abortions. It was vetoed by the governor. In 2005 they passed a similar bill that banned abortions only if the Supreme Court reverses Roe v. Wade. In 2005 they passed a bill that requires parents be notified if a minor has an abortion. In 2006 the legislature passed another bill banning abortions outright. Their efforts were overturned so in 2008 a measure was put on the ballot so the citizens could vote to ban abortions. It was voted down by in a 55%-45% vote. They’ll keep trying and they’re not the only state government to do so.

Most anti-abortion legal wrangling has been done in more subtle ways, like pulling any funding for Planned Parenthood. One could argue that those actions cause more abortions since they’re really just depriving young women of birth control which prevents them from getting pregnant. Bills are proposed and passed that limit the ability of insurance companies to cover abortion care, even for women that receive abortions to avoid health issues raised by something going wrong with the pregnancy. There’s a ton of information on the legal battle surrounding abortion; thousands of words are written daily. You can find more online at any one of the hundreds of sites that cover it.

If you’re being paid less than your male coworkers or you feel like you’re not being promoted because you’re a woman you can file a lawsuit or threaten to do so. Tread lightly though. If they find out you’re thinking about suing them they might fire you awfully fast. If you’re at a company where you’re not getting paid your worth or you’re being held down then you probably don’t want to work there. If your lawyer can prove that the company has systematically prevented women from advancing and refuses to pay them a fair wage then you’ll be in line for a big settlement. There’s a long history of cases of this nature going for the women.

Sexual harassment is a little tougher. It happens in almost every workplace but sometimes it’s so bad that it makes working there difficult. That’s when you’re best off contacting a lawyer and considering a lawsuit. If you can prove that a hostile workplace has been created due to the sexual harassment and it’s been impossible to do your job then you’ll receive a sizable judgment in your favor. If it even seems like you have a good case there’s a good chance you’ll receive a settlement before you ever have to go to court.

For women in the US, every state has statutes regarding domestic violence that you can consult and use to your advantage. Your husband might be a psycho who will never let you go but if he’s in jail then he can’t do anything to you. Read the statutes or simply talk to an attorney that specializes in these issues. Many will do the work for free or at the very least give you a consultation free of charge so you know your options.
You’re always welcome to get a divorce if you believe your husband will be able to let you go calmly. Those proceed quickly and you’re not going to get hassled if you’re reason for getting a divorce is that you’re being abused. The judge will grant it quickly, even if your husband wants to be a big pain in the ass. If you’re in a truly horrible relationship where you feel like your life is in danger there are groups that will help you get a new identity and move to a new state where you can likely escape your husband forever.