Domestic
Violence Lawyers
Domestic violence lawyers help those who
have been victimized by someone in the home or formerly in the
home receive civil compensation and protect the rights of the
person who is being or has been victimized.
In order for domestic violence lawyers
to represent their clients effectively, they need to be familiar
will all aspects of the field and client's specific situation.
Attorneys specializing in this field will
know that domestic violence is abuse between family members or
other related parties. Domestic violence
lawyers will know that the abuse doesn't have to be actual physical
abuse but can be threats, emotional abuse, unwanted phone calls,
disturbances at the workplace or stalking.
Other forms of dominance and control also qualify as domestic
violence. Domestic violence lawyers will distinguish a case between
civil harassment and harassment where a tight or formerly tight
interpersonal relationship once existed.
In order for a domestic violence lawyer to determine if the violence
and violations happened domestically or civilly they will ask
the client several questions which include:
- Are you married or were you married to the other party?
- Are you related by blood or through adoption?
- Are you currently or were you formerly living with the other
person?
- Were you dating the other party or engaged to be married?
- Do you and the other person have a minor child in common?
If the client answers "yes" to any of these questions,
then the domestic violence attorney will determine that this is
indeed a domestic case and not a general civil harassment case.
Once this has been established, temporary or lengthy restraining
orders may be made with the help of the domestic violence lawyer.
By the time a client makes it to a domestic violence lawyer,
he or she has usually (but not always) escaped the initial danger
zone. This is the first step in securing the safely of any domestic
violence victim. If children are involved, they will need to be
moved to a safe environment as well. The next step is to involve
the police so that the reported abuse becomes a matter of record.
At this point, the district attorney may become involved in lieu
of or in addition to the person retaining a domestic violence
lawyer.
The most important element is such cases of abuse is to escape
the initial danger and then take steps to insure that future violence
and harassment does not occur. Besides the regular channels of
authority, a domestic violence lawyer can insure that the victim's
rights are protected.
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