Domestic violence is a growing problem in North Carolina and throughout the United States. The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) released a research report in 2014 that showed in just one 24-hour period more than 66,000 victims of domestic violence were able to receive help and support from service organizations but almost 10,000 more needed assistance but could not receive help due to a lack of adequate resources.
The family law attorneys of The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm want to help individuals who are suffering from domestic violence end the cycle by seeking court intervention through protective orders and utilizing the resources available for support as they get out of an abusive relationship. If you are in an abusive relationship, contact our office immediately to discuss filing a Petition for Domestic Violence Protective Order. Even though this may be something some individuals feel they can do themselves by obtaining the forms through the court, our domestic violence attorneys strongly urge you to seek legal counsel, support, and assistance as you take the necessary steps to end domestic violence.
Signs of Domestic Violence
It is important to understand that the signs of domestic violence will not apply in each case. Domestic violence takes many forms and abusers are as different and unique as their forms of abuse. If a person displays some traits or signs of an abuser, it does not mean that this person will become violent. On the other hand, some domestic violence abusers may not display any of the signs of abuse.
According to NNEDV, domestic violence is “a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse using money and financial tools to exert control.” Some abusers do not display any warning signs at all and it is impossible to spot a potential abuser in a crowd. However, some warning signs you can watch for include:
Moving very quickly into a relationship
Displaying extreme feelings of jealousy
Wanting to control everything you do
Insisting you stop spending time with your friends or participating in activities that do not include this person
Constantly criticize your appearance
Frequently puts you down or insults you
Threatens to hurt your friends, family, or pets
Threatens to take away your children
Uses weapons or objects as tools of intimidation
Destroys your property
Pressures you into performing sexual acts that make you feel uncomfortable or that you do not wish to perform
If you are in a relationship with someone who displays these signs, you may want to seek help now before the situation becomes violent. There is help for victims of domestic abuse in North Carolina and throughout the United States.
Resources for Individuals Suffering from Domestic Abuse
You can reach out if you need help with domestic violence to several organizations.
Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification System (SAVAN)
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE
The National Network to End Domestic Violence is an organization dedicated to bringing awareness to domestic violence in the United States. It also provides resources and information to victims of domestic violence.
Developing a Safety Plan
If you live with someone who can be potentially violent and you are unable to leave at this time, you should have a safety plan in place to protect yourself in the event this person tries to hurt you. This is especially important if you have children living in the home. While you do not want to panic children or make your children afraid, you do want to protect your children; therefore, practice your safety plan with your children. Make sure they know where to go and what to do if someone in the home is angry and/or hurting you or trying to hurt them.
Things you may want to consider while developing a safety plan include:
Where can your children go to hide?
Is there a way you can exit the home with your children without being harmed?
Where can you go when you exit the home — a neighbor’s home?
Do you have a safe place to go when you leave the home where you and your children can stay temporarily?
Are there weapons in the home and, if so, where are they located? Can you avoid those areas in an argument or confrontation?
Who could possibly help you in an emergency?
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Business Law Attorney
“Attorneys Who Aggressively Protect Your Rights”
The business law attorneys of The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm can assist you with choosing a business name and setting up your company. We represent clients throughout Duplin County, Onslow County and the surrounding communities. Call our office at (910) 405-8459 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.