The NYPD deals with around 240,000 domestic violence calls to 911 every year. 17.5% of the city’s homicides are domestic violence related. Yet making the decision to leave an abusive relationship is never simple. There are children and living arrangements to consider. There is the fear of being found. But there is also a lack of access to legal services. There is no right to counsel for divorce cases, and often victims, mostly women, cannot afford an attorney. Carlina Rivera is a co-sponsor of a bill that would give them that right to counsel for divorce proceedings. Why does it matter?  Laura Israel Sinrod of Her Justice says divorce is a “social issue” for women.  In abuse cases, there is often concealment of finances, there are living arrangements and the need for orders of protection. And child custody is often used as a weapon. Both guests will talk about what is being done to protect domestic violence victims, and how much more needs to be done when it comes to the government and the legal system.