Sojourner House v. Woonsocket

  • Filed: 08/20/2018
  • Status: Closed
  • Latest Update: Aug 20, 2018
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Summary

This is a federal lawsuit against the City of Woonsocket for unlawfully withholding grant funds from Sojourner House, a social service agency that helps victims of domestic violence. The lawsuit alleges that the City withheld the funds without cause or due process, and then retaliated against the agency after it petitioned other government agencies for help in resolving the dispute over the funds. Update: Lawsuit successfully settled in March 2019.

Attorney(s):
Matthew T. Oliverio, Stephen M. Prignano

News & Commentary

Mar 14, 2019

Settlement Reached in Suit Against Woonsocket for Retaliating Against Domestic Violence Agency

The ACLU of RI today announced the settlement of a federal lawsuit against the City of Woonsocket for unlawfully withholding critically needed grant funds from Sojourner House, a social service agency that helps victims of domestic violence. Filed by ACLU of RI volunteer attorneys Matthew Oliverio and Stephen Prignano last August, the lawsuit alleged that the City withheld the funds without cause or due process, and retaliated against the agency after it petitioned other government agencies for help in resolving the dispute over the funds.

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Aug 20, 2018

ACLU Sues Woonsocket for Retaliating Against Domestic Violence Service Agency

The ACLU of RI today filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Woonsocket for unlawfully withholding critically needed grant funds from Sojourner House, a social service agency that helps victims of domestic violence. Filed by ACLU of RI volunteer attorneys Matthew Oliverio and Stephen Prignano, the lawsuit alleges that the City withheld the funds without cause or due process, and retaliated against the agency after it petitioned other government agencies for help in resolving the dispute over the funds.

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Learn More About the Issues in This Case

Due Process First Amendment Government Transparency Gender Equality View All Issues

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News & Commentary
Mar 14, 2019
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  • Due Process|
  • +2 Issues

Settlement Reached in Suit Against Woonsocket for Retaliating Against Domestic Violence Agency

The ACLU of RI today announced the settlement of a federal lawsuit against the City of Woonsocket for unlawfully withholding critically needed grant funds from Sojourner House, a social service agency that helps victims of domestic violence. Filed by ACLU of RI volunteer attorneys Matthew Oliverio and Stephen Prignano last August, the lawsuit alleged that the City withheld the funds without cause or due process, and retaliated against the agency after it petitioned other government agencies for help in resolving the dispute over the funds.
News & Commentary
Aug 20, 2018
Placeholder image
  • Due Process|
  • +3 Issues

ACLU Sues Woonsocket for Retaliating Against Domestic Violence Service Agency

The ACLU of RI today filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Woonsocket for unlawfully withholding critically needed grant funds from Sojourner House, a social service agency that helps victims of domestic violence. Filed by ACLU of RI volunteer attorneys Matthew Oliverio and Stephen Prignano, the lawsuit alleges that the City withheld the funds without cause or due process, and retaliated against the agency after it petitioned other government agencies for help in resolving the dispute over the funds.