When domestic violence is present in a relationship, the relationship needs to end. Domestic violence can leave a victim physically injured, emotionally and psychologically broken and in some cases, dead. Not all domestic violence is physical. Psychological, sexual, and financial abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse.
If you face domestic violence or you fear you could be in danger of facing it, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit its website to access resources like support and information about local domestic violence shelters.
Domestic violence comes in many forms. It is not uncommon for two or more types of domestic violence to be present in a relationship. Types of domestic violence include:
When you fear for your safety, you can protect yourself from your former spouse or partner with an order of protection (OOP). This type of order is often known as a restraining order.
You can obtain an OOP from a judge. If you feel you are in immediate danger, you may be able to obtain an emergency order of protection with nothing more than your testimony about your fear and why you are afraid. For long-term protection, you can obtain an interim order of protection or a plenary order of protection. To obtain one of these orders, you must attend a hearing and obtain a court ruling. If you have children, the court will consider your partner’s history of domestic violence when determining an appropriate parenting plan for them. Your lawyer can help you use your order of protection as evidence to support your claim about your former partner’s actions.
If you are in an abusive relationship, get out. Your safety should be your top priority. Once you have exited the relationship, contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer to discuss your rights, your legal options, and how to begin the divorce process, if you are married. I care about you, and as your lawyer, I can be your advocate as you leave a toxic relationship. Contact The Law Office of Gina L. Colaluca, LLC today to set up your initial consultation with my office.