Dealing With Domestic Violence

By Lucy Franco

No One Has The Right To Hurt You

This includes your boyfriend, girlfriend, or a family member.

Unfortunately physical and verbal abuse happens in relationships.

What is Domestic Violence?

It is defined by law as certain kinds of abuse directed towards a spouse, a domestic partner, a cohabitant, a person related by blood or marriage, or a person with whom the abuser has had a "dating or engagement relationship" or with whom the abuser has had a child.

Examples range from threats, annoying phone calls, and stalking to unwanted sexual touching or hitting, and destruction of the victim's property,

How does it happen?

It can sometimes begin with shouting, escalate to hitting, and in some cases, even deadly force.

This type of behavior is driven by a need to control.

How can the law help me?

In immediate danger, call 911

Explain to the police officers what happened and from there can be issued an Emergency Protective Order that legally prohibits batterer from coming near you for five court days or seven calendar days and grants you temporary custody of children.

How can the law help me?

File for a Temporary Restraining Order if you wish for a longer-lasting restraining order.

Later court hears can decide whether it will be permanent or not, lasting up to five years with renewals.

Be careful, restraining orders may lower the risk of violence but does not eliminate it.

Can I seek a criminal complaint against my abuser?

Yes

Call police immediately

Seek medical treatment and keep a record of injuries along with the names of witnesses, police officers, and medical attendants.

Also keep copies of all medical reports.