Get your domestic violence questions answered today >>
Domestic violence is defined as a violent act that is committed against a person in a domestic relationship or partnership – this can be a spouse, a relative, a new individual that you are dating or a partner. Domestic violence law outlines criminal rules to punish those who cause physical or emotional harm to others that they are in a relationship with. It also offers civil protections that are available to victims who find themselves in this type of harmful situation. Federal legislation has been put in place to make domestic violence in Sacramento County, and in the entire U.S., a crime, but the majority of domestic violence offenses are prosecuted under state law.
How do you know if you are a victim of domestic violence? Here are a few scenarios that are not acceptable and can be deemed as domestic violence in a partnership, marriage or close relationship with another individual:
- Does this person threaten to hurt you or your children?
- Does this person hit, punch, slap, kick, push or physically harm you or your children in any way?
- Does this person emotionally abuse you or insult you and your children in public or at home?
- Does this person force you to have sex when you don’t want to?
- Does this person threaten to take your children away or cause them harm?
- Does this person become very controlling over you and where you go, what you can do or who you can see?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you may be a victim of domestic violence.
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Sacramento County the first things you need to do are to call 911, obtain an emergency restraining order from the police officer that arrives on the scene and contact our team at Gale, Angelo, Johnson & Pruett P.C., for professional legal advice from a domestic violence attorney. An emergency restraining order can be issued at any time and it typically will remain valid for a couple of days. It’s important to seek help if you find yourself in a domestic violence situation instead of trying to resolve it alone so it doesn’t escalate into an even more dangerous situation.
Victims of domestic violence can often feel trapped in their situation, especially if this person shares children with their abuser, doesn’t have the resources necessary to secure a new home or is simply afraid of more severe abuse if they try to leave. There are many resources available to victims of domestic violence in Sacramento County including shelters, clinics, individual counseling, life skills support and education, ongoing case management and more. It takes courage to escape a domestic violence situation, but it’s important to protect yourself and your children from any future abuse by getting out and seeking professional help to secure a better future. Our team at GAJP Law can help you protect your rights and provide the appropriate legal recommendations for your unique situation. Here are a few ways that we can help:
- We can get a restraining order in place to ensure your abuser can’t come within a certain distance of you or your children.
- We can file a domestic violence lawsuit that allows you to recover any medical or financial expenses and losses for the pain and suffering caused by your abuser.
- If your abuser is a spouse, we can help you file for divorce and assist you throughout the entire process to ensure you receive spousal support and a fair share of your marital property.
- We can help you get custody of your children as well as child support from the other parent.
- We can represent you in court, advocate for you, deal with the opposing party (the abuser) and provide the legal and emotional support you need as you go through the process.
The consequences of domestic violence, for a victim or for the abuser, can have a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of everyone involved. If you have suffered from domestic violence, or if you have been accused of committing this type of crime, then you need an experienced legal representative on your side.
Give us a call at (916) 458-5190 for help with your domestic violence concerns or fill out the inquiry form below to schedule a thorough case evaluation with our team.
