Immediate Actions to Take After A Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a rampant, serious problem affecting both men and women in California. These can affect a marriage, put the family in jeopardy, and can cause life-changing injuries.

If you’re a victim of domestic violence or accused of domestic violence, ensure that you prioritize your safety and well-being above all else. Remember, you have to take urgent steps right away. While it’s not easy, know you’re not alone as several people and organizations can help and protect you. Reach out to an experienced domestic violence attorney in California, regardless of your situation. A lawyer can answer your questions, review your situation, and explain all options available to you.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is any form of abuse that occurs between family, members of the same household, or relationship. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, or financial.

Some examples of domestic violence can include:

Physical attacks like punching, hitting, biting, and scratching
Giving threats to hurt you
Verbal abuse, name-calling or belittling
Aggravated assault
Aggravated stalking
Sexual assault, abuse, or harassment
Taken advantage of financially
Blackmailing
Humiliating and insulting

What To Do After Domestic Violence?

Important: If you’re in extreme danger now and need help immediately, call the emergency number “911.”

Take the first step. You need to help yourself and ensure your safety immediately. Remove yourself from the situation so you can escape from the control of your abuser.
Seek medical attention. Get medical care and treatment if you have pain, cuts, or injuries. Inform the medical practitioner what happened to you. If it’s safe and possible, ask someone to document everything – including a photograph of your injuries, and keep evidence like bloody clothing.
Report to authorities. If you know you’re safe and comfortable doing this, complain to the proper authorities. Since the police respond to domestic abuse right away, allow them to investigate and protect you. The police can do a family violence intervention order and take action to make the abuser accountable for his actions.
Contact support services. There are several domestic violence services and organizations in California that help domestic violence victims. They can provide you with the assistance and support you need to cope with the abuse.
Seek legal assistance. Your rights and protection matter a lot. Contacting a lawyer for legal advice is the most important thing you need to do.

After domestic violence and abuse, you might have no idea what to do. You may feel scared, and even doubt, or blame yourself. So you have to take action and contact people to ensure your safety.

Hire a Domestic Violence Attorney

If you’re in an abusive relationship, if your partner threatens to harm you, or if a family member hurts you or your children, then fight for your safety. Or if you’re falsely accused of domestic violence, then work on defending yourself.

A domestic violence lawyer offers protection for individuals who suffered abuse. This can be the current or former spouses, current or former partners, children, parents, grandparents, and relatives.

By hiring a lawyer, you can secure a protection order or a restraining order for your abuser. With the help of your lawyer, the court can issue immediate legal protection for you, your children, and family members. Hiring a domestic violence lawyer can also help with child custody. You can pursue civil claims for damages and file criminal charges.

Thus, it’s vital to hire an experienced attorney who fully understands domestic violence laws in California to ensure you’ll gain total protection against domestic violence.

Speak With a Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

Domestic violence of any kind can disrupt and ruin a family, cause serious physical injuries, and create psychological damage. And no matter what, abuse of any form isn’t tolerated. Whether you’re a victim of abuse or false allegations, don’t hesitate to consult a domestic violence lawyer. If you’re accused of domestic violence falsely, a lawyer can fight to protect your rights and help you secure restraining orders.

Talk to a lawyer about your situation. A lawyer will work to fight for your civil lawsuits and criminal charges. Your lawyer will explain your rights and offer preliminary insight into your case.

Ann Mazotta, California Business Journal