Due to the shelter in place orders in Santa
Clara County, our office will be temporary
closed to in-person meetings. Please call
our main number to schedule a phone appointment.
(408) 915-8698
Step Forward Foundation is a
non-profit organization providing
specialized legal services to
low income communities.

Join our cause - donate today.
Source: domesticviolencestatistics.org

Domestic violence is the
leading cause of injury to
women—more than car accidents,
muggings, and rapes combined.

Your donation helps.
Domestic Violence doesn't only happen to adults.

40% of girls age 14 - 17 report
knowing someone their age who
has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.

1 in 5 female high school students
reports being physically or sexually
abused by a dating partner.

You can be part of the solution - donate now.
Source: Rainn.org, DOJ National Crime Victimization Survey

There are an average of 237,868
victims of rape and sexual assault
each year.

You can be part of the solution - donate now.

Immigration law

We provide free immigration representation to families and victims of violence.

U Visa (Victim of certain crimes)
T Visa (Victim of human trafficking)
VAWA (Battered spouse of USC or LPR)
Asylum (Fear of return to home country)
SIJS (Unaccompanied minors)
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Family petitions
Green Card Renewal
Deportation Defense

Family Law

We offer free limited scope family court services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Divorce
Child Custody
Contested Restraining Orders
Child/Spousal Support
Parentage

Employment Law

We offer free limited scope employment representation and advice to victims of workplace crimes.

Wage and Hour Claims
Retaliation
Discrimination>/li>
Harassment in the Workplace
Wrongful Termination

Meet our Team

Front (left to right): Derek Elder, Karen Schulz, Dulce Sixtos
Back (left to right): Maria Ochoa, Sarah Cottingham, Stephanie Aguirre, Azucena Gonzalez

Karen Schulz, Executive Director
Azucena Gonzalez, DOJ Accredited Representative
Derek Elder, Staff Attorney practicing Immigration
Stephanie Aguirre, Staff Attorney practicing Immigration and Family Law
Maria Ochoa, Paralegal
Dulce Sixtos, Legal Assistant
Sarah Cottingham, Staff Attorney practicing Family Law
Ruth Silver-Taube, Of Counsel practicing Employment Law (not pictured)
Pai Venegas, Grants Administrator (not pictured)
Martha Rodriguez, Bookkeeper (not pictured)

How can we help you?

Reports

Our Partners

South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking