When domestic violence occurs, victims feel stuck because often, it’s someone they trust, or even love, that has hurt them. It can be challenging to decide whether to stay, leave, or sue the perpetrator.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is highly recommended that you talk to a domestic violence attorney, who will help you with the necessary legal advice and to seek justice. Staying in an abusive home shouldn’t be an option, because the abuser will most likely do it again. Leaving won’t help solve the situation either, if anything, the abuser will still be free to repeat their action on you or someone else.
A domestic violence attorney can be of great help to you. Here are six things that a domestic violence lawyer can do:
Protect you
After a domestic violence incident, the most immediate need is for you to be protected from the abuser. But if you are like many victims, it’s likely that you didn’t know this. So, you may feel trapped by the lack of resources for domestic violence or network of supportive friends or family members. A domestic violence attorney can provide you with a way out, and this involves two things – they can help you find a safe place to stay and obtain a legal order to keep the perpetrator from coming near or contacting you.
These lawyers often serve as community-based resources that assist victims like you. Some will even avail shelters where you can stay as your issue is being resolved.
File a lawsuit on your behalf
If you incur medical expenses and lost wages because of the violence, your domestic lawyer can help you file a claim to get compensation for the damages, as well as for the suffering and pain.
Help you with divorce
If the perpetrator is your spouse, and you would wish to end the marriage, then your domestic violence lawyer will help you navigate through the divorce. And even if you do not consider divorce, your lawyer can help inform you of the options you have and point you toward resources that can assist you to break free from the person who inflicts emotional and physical damage on you.
Help you attain child custody
If divorce is on the table, and you want to get custody of the children, your domestic lawyer will help to ensure you get the best possible outcome. They will build a case around the violence, and any other threats that the perpetrator makes to scare you, and argue to the court that your spouse is unfit to raise the children.
Help you receive alimony
Divorce is never easy, especially if the abuser was the breadwinner of the family. A divorce lawyer can help you get spousal support from your spouse after the divorce is finalized. They will also help you get child support payments. Domestic violence lawyers play an important role in ensuring you get fair treatment.
Represents you in court
If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement regarding divorce issues, your lawyer will be there to represent you in court. Domestic lawyers will have your back through it all.
