By: Kim Hemphry

About the Author:

Kim Hemphry is a passionate expert in the areas of Legal Matters, learning and education. She has been featured on over 50 leading Legal and education sites and is a modern thought leader in the field. More about her interests and articles on her site – http://kimhemphry.com/ 

Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of broken homes and traumatized children. While it happens to both men and women of different races, religions, and countries, some people are at higher risk.

For example, people who have low self-worth, little education, and lack of financial education. Also, people who have partners who use any type of drug are at risk of facing domestic violence. Women are also usually more prone to domestic violence than men.

Some of the warning signs that victims may look out for include being excessively controlled, assaulted, or demeaned by their spouses.

People around domestic violence victims can also look out for warning signs like bruises the victims can’t explain, change in behavior and personality, or fear of conflict.

Most domestic violence victims fear speaking out because they are afraid that their spouses will do them or their children more harm. Others do not know who to talk to or where to get help.

However, according to the domestic violence law, there are some legal ways that people can deal with domestic violence.

1. Call the police

As a domestic violence victim or if you know a victim, don’t be scared to call 911. That is the quickest way to get help. Not only will that give you the medical assistance you need if there was any harm, but it will also see the abuser behind bars.

2. Leave the house

Most of the people undergoing domestic violence are usually married, meaning that they share the house with their abusers. If and when you experience an incidence of domestic violence, it is wise that you leave the house.

Ensure that you leave at a time when the abuser is not around, such that they will not follow you. Also, avoid going to your friends’ family’s house because the abuser could always find you there.

The best and legal way to leave the house and still have a place to go is by contacting your local domestic violence agency. They will guide you on how you can enter a domestic violence shelter. They can also help you sign up to enter a confidential motel voucher program.

That will not only help you get away from the abuser; it will also ensure that you are protected in such a way they will not reach you again.

3. Get a restraining order

If you still feel threatened after leaving your abuser’s home, you could apply for a restraining or protection order. That will ensure that the abuser cannot get anywhere near you, and if they do, they will get arrested.

The restraining order prohibits the abuser from;

• Committing any further acts of domestic violence.
• Entering your place of work.
• Coming to where you leave.
• Going to the school where your children are (if any).
• Making any communications with you, either orally, electronically, or in writing.
• Operating bank accounts or bank lockers you hold individually or jointly with the abuser.

So always get a restraining order if you feel your life is being threatened.

4. Get a divorce

This is one of the most permanent ways to legally deal with domestic violence. If you have done a lot to try and deal with domestic violence, but it won’t go away, apply for a divorce from the abuser.

Sometimes, that may aggravate the abuser. Therefore, you need to ensure that you ask for protection in case they try to hurt you again.

5. File for monetary relief

If you have suffered any physical injuries that made you incur expenses or affected your income, you can file for monetary relief in court. That requires the abuser to pay you the same amount of money you incurred on medical expenses for you and any other party involved, like children.

The abuser also pays you the money you lost for not working due to the injuries they inflicted on you. This works best if you have fled from the residence you shared with the abuser because if you still share the same house, it may make the abuse worse.

6. Ask for advice

If you feel lost and don’t know what to do, the best way is to ask for advice. You can dial the domestic violence hotline who will guide you on the way to get yourself safe. You can also visit a domestic violence outreach center or agency that will also help you out.

You can also consider asking for advice from a lawyer who will guide you on the legal steps you can take to help yourself and keep you safe from the abuser.

Domestic violence can be a traumatic experience, which is why you need to seek counseling after you are safe from the abuser. That will help you move on with life and heal your mental and emotional wounds.

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