Domestic Violence and the Role of your Attorney
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. In fact, violent acts committed by intimate partners account for 15 percent of all violent crime in the United States. There are over 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide each day.
In many cases, victims of domestic violence feel trapped in their situation due to the presence of children, a lack of resources, or simply being afraid to suffer more severe abuse if the victim attempts to leave. While those who suffer from domestic violence can seek help from programs and even local police authorities, victims should also consider a domestic violence attorney.
The following are several ways a domestic violence attorney can help:
- Obtain a restraining order on the abuser – If you are being abused, stalked, or even threatened with physical violence, filing a protective order—also known as a restraining order—can ensure your safety. A restraining order may prohibit the abuser from contacting you, coming within a certain distance from you, or possessing firearms. You will need a lawyer to do this for you, so don’t hesitate to find one as soon as you can.
- File a divorce – If the abuser is a spouse, a domestic violence lawyer can help you navigate the divorce process, including your right to alimony and receiving your share of marital property.
- Obtain child custody – If the abuser is also a parent of your children, a lawyer can help you obtain custody of your child and child support from the other parent.
- File a civil lawsuit – A civil suit enables a domestic violence victim to recover monetary damages for any financial loss (e.g. medical expenses) or pain and suffering caused by the abuse.
- Be your advocate in court – Whenever you face the other party (and their lawyer) in court, a domestic violence attorney can represent you, complete the required documentation on your behalf, and protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
For more information, contact our Jackson family lawyers at Grant Legal Group PA today.
