The media on a daily basis, reports on incidents of domestic violence. We read them and think they are a one-off case. However, the shocking truth is that, domestic violence is a much more common occurrence, than we are aware of! The latest trial of the renowned South African, double-amputee sprint athlete, Oscar Pistorius,for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, is a case to point! This case, demonstrates clearly, the ugly nature of domestic violence and the horrifying consequences for its victims! As any attorney who is proficient in fighting domestic violence cases, will tell you-the abusive partner in such relationships, if unstopped, only become much more dangerous with time!
If you are reading this post, because you are a victim of domestic violence, take heart! Help is closer than you think! Be brave, stand up for yourself and put an end to the sufferings that you have been undergoing! Abusive partners are just like the bullies at school, they are the easiest to beat! All you need to do is, show them- you are not afraid of them and get support to back yourself up! In an adult world, though- you need a stronger mechanism to back you! That stronger mechanism, is the legal system and an attorney well-versed in how it works, can help you in varied ways- to take the action that is necessary.
What is Domestic Violence?
“Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating,” informs domesticviolence.org.
“Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence,” the website explains. If you are a victim of domestic violence and want to find relief, you can consult an attorney to help you understand best, the kind of legal action you need to take.
Ways in Which Legal Eagles in the Sphere Can Help You
There are varied ways in which, an attorney specialising in domestic violence, can legally and safely bring you out of a dangerous domestic situation. From simplifying complex legal jargons; explaining mundane legal procedures; representing you in court; briefing you on how to answer questions appropriately to getting your abusive partner arrested and punished….an expert attorney can deliver a lot! Here are some of the basics that domestic violence attorneys can help you with!
Domestic Violence Attorneys Can Force Abusive Partners to Keep Away
Attorneys specializing in domestic violence can help get a legal order executed, by which, your abusive partner is forced to stay away; and is prohibited, from coming within a certain distance of you. These orders may be renewed and even made permanent. They have the power to forbid an abusive partner, from attempting to communicate verbally, electronically or physically, in any way whatsoever. However, while such orders lessen the risks of violence from the abuser; they do not completely guarantee your safety.
He/she Can Help You Gain the Custody of Your Child
In case, you have a child or children and your abusive partner, not just batters you; but is also violent with him/her/ them, an attorney with expertise in dealing with domestic violence cases, can use the appropriate legal measures, to help you gain temporary or permanent custody of your child/ children.
Attorneys Can Also Help You Win Spousal and/or Child Support
If you are financially not able to support yourself or your child, an attorney experienced in this field, can represent your case in court; and prove that you and your child require spousal and child support. Depending on the merits of the case as presented by your attorney; as well as an analysis of your income and expenditure – your abusive spouse, may be asked to pay a certain amount of money towards your and your child’s maintenance. He/ she may also be asked to share his/her assets for instance his/her home with you. However, prior to this, the relationship of your child with the abusive partner will need to be legally established.
This article was written by Sessa L. Meguinre, a legal writer, according to whom, a domestic violence scenario, calls for the expertise of an able attorney.