We begin a four-part series with the AWAIC Shelter about domestic violence, as part of our Break the Cycle reports. In part one, we take a look at an important legal step that victims can take to protect themselves--but may not have the confidence to do it themselves.

If the situation is particularly bad, it may require getting a restraining order against the abuser. That involves going to the Anchorage courthouse, filling out lots of paperwork and talking to a judge. That's something that can be very intimidating.

The domestic violence division is just a regular office in the old Anchorage courthouse. Anyone can go there to file a restraining or protective order. But the people who do are often at wits end.

"Plus coming to an unfamiliar location, the kids are hungry, the bills haven't been paid and she's just been assaulted. So yeah, a lot of the people are in high crisis when they come down here," said AWAIC Legal Advocate Majorie Thayer.

Fortunately Thayer is there. She's a legal advocate for AWAIC, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis. Her job is to help people through an unfamiliar system. Thayer is one of two legal advocates that AWAIC has at the Anchorage courthouse. They are there every single day of the week, including weekends and evenings. They can help anyone through the process and their services are absolutely free.

"We will walk people through the paperwork. We will talk to them about what this question means, these are the different options

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that you can explore with these protective orders. And just to be supportive, someone to talk to. Because a lot of times the people coming down here don't have that in their lives," said Thayer.

And when the time comes to sit with a judge in the courtroom, Thayer can be there too. Afterwards, she can help victims find other services they may need, including a safe place to spend the night.

"We'll also talk about other options. Is it really safe for you to stay at your mom's tonight? Is it better for you to come into shelter where it's a more secure facility?" said Thayer.

The bottom line is: women shouldn't be afraid to take the steps they need to protect themselves.

"I believe that knowledge is power. And when you know what's going to happen, it's a little less scary," said Thayer.

We here at CBS 11 News have partnered with the AWAIC Shelter during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every night they help dozens of women and children by providing a safe place to stay. But that safe hospitality comes with a price tag. If you would like to help these families, who often come with nothing more than the clothes on their back, click below for a list of needed items and what you can do to help break the cycle.

To contact Lauren, call 907-273-3186.