Domestic violence is a growing problem that affects thousands of families each year. If you are the victim of domestic abuse, you do not have to put up with it. You can escape, taking your children as well, with the help of various professionals, including an attorney who specializes in protecting victims of this type of crime.
An Attorney Can Help You Find Temporary Shelter
If you do not know where to find a local victim abuse shelter or how to contact the person in charge, a domestic violence attorney can help you connect to the director and learn more about the services provided. Typically, a women’s shelter protects your anonymity by refusing to let others know that you are there. These shelters offer lodging, food, and childcare. Often, they provide assistance in connecting to other services and finding a job, if needed.
The Attorney Can Direct You to Community Resources
An attorney who specializes in domestic abuse can help you connect to other community resources. These may include programs that distribute food and clothing to victims of violence as well as childcare while the parent schedules job interviews or works. The programs sometimes offer help in securing more permanent housing and government assistance with food and medical care until the parent is able to earn a steady paycheck.
A Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help You Organize Records
To protect yourself and any underage children, you may need to show law enforcement officials relevant records, such as a marriage license, separation or divorce decree, protective order against the abusive partner, and employment records. You also may want to provide the names and contact information of potential witnesses to the abuse you have experienced. A domestic abuse attorney can advise you how to get these records and possibly assist in their procurement.
A Domestic Violence Attorney Offers Legal Advice and Protection
Since domestic violence is a crime, the attorney who specializes in this area of law can advise you on obtaining a protective order against the abuser if you don’t already have one. If you have a previously issued order, the attorney can help you to enforce it. Legal orders can be filed and processed for a marital separation that could lead to a divorce, as well as orders for child support and child custody or visitation if minor children are involved.
Get legal help to protect yourself and children from domestic violence. Resources are available to keep you safe and help you to rebuild a better life.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
