Domestic violence is on the rise, unfortunately – which is one of the reasons why you may need an attorney who specializes in these unique and desperate cases. The statistics are alarming: An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by a partner every year. In up to 80% of intimate partner homicides, the man was physically abusing the woman before the murder took place. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. It also affects children, in a way that can lead into the next generation. There are many things that you must do before your case and many things you should expect.
What is Needed From You
If you believe that you have a domestic violence case, you should always speak to an experienced attorney. They may need some things from you, starting with evidence and documentation of the abuse. Some of these documents may include pictures of your injuries, medical reports stating on behalf of your abuse at the hospital, police reports when you called the police, pictures of weapons that were used against you, and testimony that witnesses gave. The more evidence you have in your case, the better your case becomes. You should also practice telling your story, as you will have to tell it to the attorney and the judge. Speaking about these matters in a clear, organized way can make you less nervous when it becomes time to speak about it in court.
What to Expect From Your Hearing
At your hearing, the judge will be deciding whether or not there is enough evidence to issue a protective order for you or your children. With this order, the abuser will not be able to contact you or come within a certain distance of you. In some abuse cases, custody of the children will be granted exclusively to you in order to keep them safe from abuse. Having concrete details of the domestic violence will help you make your case. Call an attorney you can trust today at The Law Offices of Amy M. Montes for more information.
