562-332-6087Across the United States, domestic violence is a widespread and dangerous crime that puts millions of individuals at risk, irrespective of their age, economic status, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, or education level. That’s why even in the slightest instance of domestic violence, it’s important to hire a dedicated family lawyer to help defend your rights.
If you have been the victim of domestic violence, the Law Offices of Steven Ibarra can help you seek legal protection. Our Whittier domestic violence lawyer can guide you through the family court system and help you secure orders to safeguard yourself and your children. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is an act of abuse against a spouse or intimate partner, and encompasses a range of behaviors such as physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, which are used by the abuser to exert control over their victim. Even subtle threats of violence can lead to complete domination over the victim’s actions. The impact of abuse on victims is severe, regardless of the type of abuse.
Domestic violence can also include violence committed by any family member against another family member they live with. The following are examples of domestic violence:
- Physical violence or threats of physical violence
- Sexual assault
- Molestation
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Destruction of personal property
- Manipulation through coercion, threats, intimidation, or financial control
- Neglect or deliberate deprivation of basic needs
If you, your child, or someone else you love is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. For services and support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. For emergency assistance, call 911. To learn more about your legal rights, contact our family abuse attorney in Whittier.
What Legal Protections Do You Have Against Domestic Violence?
If someone in your household is abusing you or your child or committing violence against you, you can seek a restraining order. Our Whittier domestic violence attorney can help you file for such an order, which may include:
- No-contact orders
- Orders not to harass, stalk, threaten, or harm anyone protected by the order
- Orders to maintain a certain physical distance from anyone protected by the order
- Orders to relocate from a home shared by anyone protected by the order
- Orders not to have firearms, ammunition, or body armor
- Orders to pay spousal support or child support
Once you obtain a domestic violence restraining order, or if you already have one, our law firm can also help you with its enforcement if necessary.
How Can Domestic Violence Affect a Divorce or Child Custody Case?
Domestic violence is a factor that family courts will consider when deciding divorce settlements and child custody. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that spouses do not have to file for divorce on grounds that blame one another for the end of the marriage. Rather, they can simply cite irreconcilable differences. However, if you file based on cruelty or domestic violence, you may receive a more favorable spousal support agreement and division of property.
Additionally, when determining child custody, the courts seek to do what is in the best interest of the child. Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence by your spouse or partner can be grounds for awarding you sole custody. Our domestic abuse lawyer in Whittier can help you build the strongest divorce or custody case possible and fight to help you protect what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there more women victimized by domestic violence?
Every minute, approximately 20 individuals in the United States fall victim to physical abuse by their intimate partner, with more than 10 million women and men suffering from it each year. Shockingly, one in four women and one in nine men experience severe physical violence, contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking. This leads to several negative impacts, such as injury, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Why do some victims tend to stay with their abusers?
Perpetrators of abuse put in significant effort to keep their victims in the relationship, often resorting to isolating them from their loved ones, thereby reducing their support network. Financial abuse is also a common tactic that abusive partners employ to create barriers to safety.
Furthermore, victims are often afraid of more abuse or even death if they try to leave, as abusers perceive their independence as a threat to their power and control, and may respond with escalated violence.
Additionally, survivors frequently express their desire to end the abuse, rather than the relationship itself. They may choose to remain with or return to the abusive partner because they believe their promises of change.
Why should I hire a domestic violence lawyer?
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence in Whittier, hiring a domestic violence lawyer can be the line between life and death for several reasons.
Firstly, a domestic violence lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can explain the legal protections available to you, such as restraining orders, and assist you in filing the necessary paperwork to obtain them.
Your lawyer can also provide legal representation and advocacy for you in court. They can help you navigate the legal system and represent your interests in any legal proceedings related to the abuse.
They can also assist in developing a safety plan to protect yourself and your loved ones from further harm. Through a lawyer, you can connect with resources and services such as counseling, support groups, and emergency shelters.
Finally, hiring a domestic violence lawyer can provide you with emotional support and guidance during a difficult and traumatic time in your life. They can help you feel empowered and take control of your situation.
Our Domestic Violence Attorneys Offer Compassionate Representation
Domestic violence cases can be emotional and challenging for the victims. Our law firm will do its utmost to protect you and your children while offering you the compassionate, dignified, and respectful representation you deserve.
Our domestic violence attorney in Whittier has advocated for clients since 2008. We will put our experience and knowledge behind obtaining legal actions to keep you safe and help you make a fresh start.
Our domestic violence attorney in Whittier has a substantial amount of experience in front of all the Judges in the Whittier Courthouse and this unique experience is leveraged so that you can win or defend your case, as appropriate.
Contact Us To Connect With Our Family Abuse Attorney in Whittier
The Law Offices of Steven Ibarra is here to guide you and your family. If you or your children have been victims of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, we can assist you in seeking protection under the law and enforcing your rights.
Reach out to our law firm today to learn more about working with our Whittier domestic violence lawyer. We will help you with restraining orders, legal separation, child custody, and divorce.
The Law Offices of Steven Ibarra practices bankruptcy, personal injury, and family law. Our team is dedicated to one client at a time, and we have a long history of satisfied clients. Schedule a legal consultation with us today; our lawyers also perform bilingual legal services in Spanish!
