Domestic Violence – Don’t be a Victim

In the State of California, domestic violence and spousal abuse offenses are taken extremely seriously. Domestic violence can be both a cause and an effect of divorce or the end of a relationship. If your spouse or partner has a history of abuse, you may be at the most risk when you decide to leave. In cases of domestic violence, our attorneys can help you navigate the necessary legal processes to protect you and your children.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can take a number of forms and applies to relationships between you and a spouse, partner, roommate, family member, or parent of your child. It is important to define domestic abuse so you can get the help you need. Here are some of the types of behavior that constitute domestic violence:

Physical Abuse

Hitting, slapping, choking, pushing, kicking, or harming any other form of physically hurtful behavior

Sexual Abuse

Pressure or forced to perform sexual acts, or the unknown performance of such acts

Verbal Abuse

Name-calling, diminishing your character and yelling or screaming

Social Abuse

Criticizing personal relationships, using controlling behavior or manipulative tactics that interrupt your social life or connections with others

Threatening Behavior

Breaking objects, threatening speech, and other intimidating actions

Unwanted Communication

Harassing or intimidating communication through phone calls, text messages, emails, or letters

Domestic Violence & Child Custody

If you feel that you or your children’s safety is in jeopardy, it is critical that you also take the proper legal steps to request an emergency protective order or Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to avoid any further abuse, threatening behavior or communication. It can require the abuser to keep at least 100 yards away from you – enforceable by arrest.

The TRO may also be issued to grant you temporary custody, pending a court-ordered custody arrangement.

There are clearly many forms of domestic abuse. Men, women, and children are suffering each day from the terror and intimidation tactics of abusers.

Hassett Family Law has over 20 years of experience, exclusively in Family Law, to protect you and your family. Please call 858 353-8853 for a free consultation.