CAIRO, Ill. -- Free virtual legal consultations for victims of domestic abuse now are being offered at the Cairo Women's Shelter through the Illinois lieutenant governor's office.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon announced the expansion of the service to Cairo in a news release Friday.

The consultation program connects domestic violence survivors at local shelters in underserved areas with attorneys who specialize in family law for a single, free consultation, according to the release. Topics include child custody and visitation, marriage and divorce, elder abuse, immigration and property issues.

Jeannine Woods, executive director of the shelter, in the release said the program will help victims understand their legal rights.

The shelter, which serves about 400 victims annually, covers Alexander, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties. It is the third clinic in the state to use the program and further expansion is planned elsewhere in Illinois.

Pertinent address:

Cairo, Ill.