If you walk down the hallway of Family Sunshine Center’s administrative offices, you will find services that aren’t common in many domestic violence and sexual assault agencies across Alabama. FSC is one of the few that provides legal services to survivors, and at the center of that work is Staff Attorney Iyeshia Parks.
For many survivors, the legal system becomes one more barrier layered on top of trauma. Protection orders, custody disputes, divorce proceedings, and court appearances. It is complicated, intimidating, and often overwhelming. That is where Iyeshia steps in.
Her role is not just about legal representation. It is about walking alongside survivors as they navigate systems that can feel confusing and stacked against them while making sure they feel supported, heard, and not alone.
“No two days are the same, but each one begins with connection and purpose,” Iyeshia shares.
Her day starts with collaboration, working closely with FSC team members to understand each survivor’s situation. From there, she meets directly with clients, listening to their stories and building trust, because every case starts there. Her work may include drafting legal documents, preparing for hearings, answering legal questions for staff, or accompanying survivors to court.
Often, the most important thing she offers is simply her presence. “Sometimes, just knowing someone is there with them, someone who believes in them and cares about their safety, can make an intimidating experience feel a little less frightening.”
That presence can make the difference between a survivor disengaging from the process or moving forward.
For Iyeshia, the most meaningful part of her work is watching survivors reclaim their voice.
“Many people come to us after experiencing situations where they felt silenced, isolated, or controlled for a long time,” she says. “Being able to stand beside them, as they take steps toward safety and independence, is incredibly powerful.”
She has seen firsthand how consistent legal support can change the direction of a survivor’s life. In one case, after years of legal challenges and separation from her children, a survivor was able to secure custody, regain stability, and move into a safe home with her family. Moments like that are not just legal victories. They are turning points.
Legal services at FSC is about more than paperwork and court dates. It is about helping survivors move from crisis to stability, from uncertainty to control, and from fear to possibility.
Safety is not just physical. It is legal, emotional, and long-term, and with the right support, it becomes possible.