Domestic Violence: Abuse is never the victim's fault.
Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over another person. Abuse is often physical, verbal, emotional, and financial. It can include stalking, battery, sexual assault, and rape; sometimes it escalates to homicide.
Many times, leaving an abusive relationship is not only emotionally and financially difficult, but can also be life-threatening. A victim’s reasons for staying with their abuser are extremely complex, and in most cases, are based on the reality that their abuser will follow through on their threats. The most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is after ending the relationship. Seventy-five percent of domestic violence related homicides occur upon separation and there is a 75% increase of violence upon separation for at least two years. These concerns are very real and must be addressed with safety planning.
How Donelan Law can help:
Safety Planning and Obtaining an Order of Protection
At Donelan Law we understand the dangers of leaving an abusive relationship and can help victims plan an escape when they are ready. Often, part of the plan includes obtaining an order of protection against the abuser. Additional safety planning might include identifying friends or family to offer support, opening a bank account or credit card, ensuring devices are not being tracked, signing up for a protected address, changing your phone number, changing privacy settings on social media accounts, communicating with your employer, installing strong locks and a security system, and changing your daily routine.
Suing for Compensation in Civil Court
Suing an abuser in civil court is another legal option. A victim can seek financial compensation from an abuser for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Donelan Law can advise you on the pros and cons of bringing a civil action against an abuser. One relevant factor would be the abuser’s financial resources—it just might not be worth it if there is no money. While bringing a civil claim against an abuser can be frustrating, to many victims, it is empowering to finally get an opportunity to be heard and seek justice for the horrific abuse that was endured. Donelan Law understands the complexities of domestic violence and the tactics of abusers. We are ready to fight for you.
Resources
The Mend Project
National Network to End Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The Recovery Village DV Resources
Many times, leaving an abusive relationship is not only emotionally and financially difficult, but can also be life-threatening. A victim’s reasons for staying with their abuser are extremely complex, and in most cases, are based on the reality that their abuser will follow through on their threats. The most dangerous time in an abusive relationship is after ending the relationship. Seventy-five percent of domestic violence related homicides occur upon separation and there is a 75% increase of violence upon separation for at least two years. These concerns are very real and must be addressed with safety planning.
How Donelan Law can help:
Safety Planning and Obtaining an Order of Protection
At Donelan Law we understand the dangers of leaving an abusive relationship and can help victims plan an escape when they are ready. Often, part of the plan includes obtaining an order of protection against the abuser. Additional safety planning might include identifying friends or family to offer support, opening a bank account or credit card, ensuring devices are not being tracked, signing up for a protected address, changing your phone number, changing privacy settings on social media accounts, communicating with your employer, installing strong locks and a security system, and changing your daily routine.
Suing for Compensation in Civil Court
Suing an abuser in civil court is another legal option. A victim can seek financial compensation from an abuser for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Donelan Law can advise you on the pros and cons of bringing a civil action against an abuser. One relevant factor would be the abuser’s financial resources—it just might not be worth it if there is no money. While bringing a civil claim against an abuser can be frustrating, to many victims, it is empowering to finally get an opportunity to be heard and seek justice for the horrific abuse that was endured. Donelan Law understands the complexities of domestic violence and the tactics of abusers. We are ready to fight for you.
Resources
The Mend Project
National Network to End Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The Recovery Village DV Resources