The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky announced on Apr. 22 that its Chief Judge will hold a 2026 event as part of the Pro Bono Work to Empower and Represent (POWER) Act.
The annual POWER Act events are required by law to raise awareness about the importance of pro bono legal services in supporting survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. These events aim to engage citizens and empower victims through access to free legal assistance.
According to the announcement, the POWER Act was signed into law in September 2018. The legislation mandates that each year, every Chief Judge across all Judicial Districts must organize at least one event highlighting how pro bono work can help lift victims out of cycles of violence. In addition, every two years there must be a focused event in areas with significant Native American or Alaska Native populations addressing these issues among those communities.
More information about Kentucky Western’s upcoming POWER Act presentation is available online under “2026 KYWD POWER Presentation.” Related files including details for the 2026 event can also be accessed as part of the court’s public resources.
These ongoing efforts reflect a broader commitment within the federal judiciary to address domestic abuse and sexual violence through community engagement and increased access to justice.
