Sadly, they are indeed households within Jackson County in which domestic violence is a constant presence. For those on the outside looking into such situations, the solution to the problems facing abuse victims seems to be simple: just leave the abuser. Yet in many cases, that is much easier said than done. For those who are the victims of domestic abuse, there may be a consistent fear that if they try to leave their abusers, they (or those they love) will be met with further violence.

A recent case involving a couple in Michigan reinforces this fear. Law enforcement authorities were called to a home where a woman said that she was being held hostage their by her estranged husband. She claimed that the ordeal began earlier in the week when she told him that she wanted a divorce. He responded by brandishing a knife and threatening to kill her if she tried to leave. She was held captive in this way for two days before escaping and being rescued by family members. She returned to the house a couple of days later to get some personal belongings, yet her husband tried to detain her again. He was taken into custody by police.

While the threat of domestic violence may be ever-present, those looking to escape abusive marriages should know that there are resources in place to protect them, their children and their loved ones from their abusers. Restraining orders can be put in place to ensure that an abuser keeps their distance as divorce proceedings are completed. Those needing help in securing such resources may find that a family law attorney can be of great assistance in procuring them.