New Jersey Domestic Violence
Abused? Injured? Threatened? A New Jersey domestic violence lawyer can help. On average, 20 Americans per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. Perhaps this statistic shocks you— or perhaps you are one of those 20 people.
One in four women (and one in nine men) have experienced some form of physical violence
from their partner— the type of physical violence that, frankly, we don’t often qualify as physical violence or domestic abuse (shoving, pushing, etc.). One in four women (and one in seven men) have experienced severe physical violence.
Of course, the statistics could continue. And making a change is tough: leaving your marriage
because of the fear, threat or intimidation of physical violence can feel overwhelming, as in not
knowing how to start or what to do. If you’ve already survived an experience of physical
violence, it may feel impossible: how do I get out in a way that’s safe, that benefits my family,
that is supportive of my children?
As the statistics bear out, you are not alone. At O’Cathain Law Group out motto is Move
Forward. Perhaps no one needs to move forward more than a spouse in an abusive
relationship, a spouse who is suffering from domestic violence. Which is why you need a New Jersey domestic violence lawyer.
Let’s look at the steps to take, and how they can help:
- If you feel in immediate physical danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or
visit them online at https://ncadv.org. To the extent that you can, remove yourself and
your children from the potentially life-threatening situation. See if a sibling, a parent, a
friend would be willing to take you in as you attempt to sort the situation out. It can be
daunting to ask for help, but nothing is more important than your immediate physical
and mental safety.
- Consult with your New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer about a temporary restraining
order (TRO). The goal of the order will be to keep your partner away from you, and away
from the ability to harm you again.
- Gather documentation that may show your abuse. This may include photos, text
messages, emails, social media posts, voicemails. Anything that you feel is relevant
should be shared with your New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer.
- Remember that mental abuse is also abuse, also domestic violence. In addition to
working with your attorney to proceed with your divorce in a way that feels safe with
regards to your situation, you should take time to heal yourself. Seek counseling and the
appropriate professional help you need for both physical and mental abuse.
- With regards to custody and parenting time, few issues impact a court’s decision as
immediately as domestic abuse. Discuss with your lawyer what your goals and
expectations are with regard to your children moving forward.
- If you have been the victim of domestic violence in your marriage, the court and the
state can offer wide protections for you, including working within the system so you do
not have to see your abuser as the divorce process proceeds. (If you decide you want
to/can, in, say, a secure public location, consider asking a friend to always accompany
you.) This is a factor you will want to consult with your lawyer about.
You may feel powerless. You may feel as if you are to blame. You may feel alone.
You are not. You are powerful, you are not at fault, and you are not alone. With the right New
Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, you can leave your abusive marriage and move past this
awful chapter of your life. Take a step and return to who you are, and what you deserve—
Move Forward.
Have you been the victim of domestic violence? We can help. Call our offices, fill out the intake
form, or email a dedicated Family Law paralegal to speak with a New Jersey Domestic Violence
Lawyer at O’Cathain Law Group.
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