Domestic Violence and Family Law: How a Family Lawyer Can Help Protect You and Your Family?

According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), globally about 30% of women worldwide have been subjected to domestic violence in their lifetime. The same report also points us to the fact that almost one-third (27%) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.

These statistics highlight the importance of seeking legal assistance for victims. It is important to note that filing a complaint and seeking legal help is a crucial step towards breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring that victims receive the support and protection they need.

This article will discuss in detail how family law gives protection against domestic violence and the role of a family lawyer in Brampton in offering protection to you and your family.

Understanding Domestic Violence and Protection offered By Family Law

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behaviour that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.

The impact of domestic violence on families is devastating. Medical & psychological studies point to the fact that domestic violence can lead to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term health problems for the victims. Apart from this, children who witness domestic violence may also experience emotional and psychological distress, as well as developmental issues.  

Laws protecting domestic violence in the U.S. initially began to emerge in the 1970s, when the women’s rights movement brought attention to the issue. By the 1980s there were domestic violence shelters opened across the U.S. and all states had passed laws criminalizing domestic violence.  

Today, family law plays a crucial role in protecting victims of domestic violence. It provides legal remedies such as restraining orders, which prevent abusers from contacting or coming near the victim, as well as orders for child custody, support, and visitation.

Victims can avail of the service of family lawyers for assistance in filing complaints, obtaining restraining orders, and advocating for their rights in court. These lawyers can also provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, which can be complex and emotionally challenging.

Six Ways Family Lawyers Help in Domestic Violence Cases

Family lawyers can play a crucial role in helping victims of domestic violence navigate the legal system and access the protections they need. They can assist victims in filing complaints and obtaining restraining orders, which prohibit abusers from contacting or coming near the victim. Here are six ways family lawyers can help in domestic violence cases.

1. Filing complaints and obtaining restraining orders: Family lawyers can assist you in filing complaints and obtaining restraining orders against their abusers, which prohibit the abusers from contacting or coming near the victim.
2. Advocating for victims’ rights in court: Family lawyers like any lawyers can represent victims in court and advocate for their rights, helping them navigate the legal system and obtain the legal protections they need.
3. Connecting victims with community resources: They can help victims connect with community resources such as counseling services, emergency shelters, and financial assistance.
4. Assisting with child custody and support issues: Victims can avail lawyer’s help to obtain custody and support orders that are in their and their children’s best interests and help them navigate the legal process if the abuser challenges these orders.
5. Providing support and guidance throughout the legal process: They can also provide emotional support and guidance to victims throughout the legal process, which can be complex and emotionally challenging.
6. Get everything down in writing: Documenting details of domestic violence incidents can become more tedious than expected. This is where family lawyers can be of help. They can help victims create written records of incidents, injuries, and other evidence.  This documentation will be used in court to support the client’s case and help them obtain legal protections such as restraining orders and custody orders. Having everything documented in writing can be crucial in a domestic violence case, as it provides a clear record of events and can help establish a pattern of abuse, which can be used to support the client’s case in court. 

How to Shortlist the Right Family Lawyer?

It is important to find a lawyer who is experienced, compassionate, and committed to protecting your rights. Here is how you can shortlist the right family lawyer for your unique needs:

1. Research: The first step is to start researching family lawyers in your area, and check for reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. It is recommended that you look for a family lawyer who specializes in domestic violence cases.
2. Consultations: Once you shortlist a few lawyers, schedule consultations with them to discuss your case and get a sense of their experience, approach, and communication style. This will help you determine which lawyer is the best fit for you.
3. Communication: Ideally, you should look for a lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails, and who takes the time to explain legal concepts and procedures in a way that is easy to understand.
4. Compatibility: Before you finalize a lawyer, decide whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive personal matters, and who you believe will represent you effectively in court. You can even compromise a bit on the experience side for compatibility.

To Sum Up

Do not normalize domestic violence. You need to embrace the fact that domestic violence is a serious and pervasive issue that affects many families around the world. Never be hesitant to seek legal aid for protection from abuse. Working with a family lawyer can be crucial in obtaining these protections and ensuring that your rights are upheld.

Remember, domestic violence is never your fault, and you deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. With the help of a skilled and compassionate family lawyer, you can take the first steps towards healing and rebuilding your life.