No one should ever be subjected to violence in any form, but it is not easy to get out of a violent relationship when it happens. The violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual—and it often has no boundaries. Victims are faced with many difficult decisions when they decide to leave their abusers, but one of the most critical issues is where they will go for legal help. By looking for family law lawyers who work with survivors of abuse throughout the Kansas City area, victims can find legal help to protect themselves and their children.
What Is Family Violence?
Family violence is the intentional violent act by one family member against another, but it can also be harm caused to a child or someone who has an emotional attachment to the abuser. It can be verbal, physical, or sexual—and it doesn’t have to occur only within the family unit. Abusers may also threaten harm to friends and coworkers of their victims.
What Are the Signs That Someone May Be Experiencing Family Violence?
The signs of family violence can be very subtle at first, and they often escalate over time. While every situation is different, the following are some signs that someone may be experiencing family violence:
- Someone is being aggressively demanding, possessive, or jealous.
- The abuser has a quick temper and always blames everyone else for their problems.
- The abuser keeps their partner away from family or friends.
- The victim is constantly making excuses for the abuser’s behavior.
- The victim has stopped seeing friends and family members because of their partner’s actions or threats to their safety.
- The victim is frequently depressed, anxious, or has started to abuse drugs or alcohol because of their relationship.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is crucial to reach out for help.
What Legal Steps Should I Take If a Family Member Is Abusing Me?
If a family member is abusing you, you need to make sure your safety and that of your children are the first priorities. While this can be difficult, it is crucial to work toward a safe and secure future.
- Make sure that all your paperwork, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards, is in a safe place.
- Make sure that you have copies of all essential documents such as bank statements, tax returns, and insurance information.
- Find a safe place to stay where the abuser cannot find you—whether with family or friends, at a women’s shelter, or a hotel.
- If you have children together and they are in danger from an abuser, make sure you plan to take them with you.
- If you do not feel safe removing yourself to another location, call the police immediately for your protection.
- Call a family violence attorney at your local Kansas City area law firm to discuss your options
What Can a Family Lawyer Do to Help You?
When a family member is abusing someone, you need to ensure that your children’s safety and your safety are the first priorities. While this can be difficult, it is essential to work toward a safe and secure future. A good family law lawyer in the Kansas City area can help you understand your options, pursue a protective order or other interventions, and work toward a future where you are free from violence.
Family law lawyers who work with survivors of family abuse in the Kansas City area can help you understand your legal options. In addition, they may provide referrals for other essential resources such as housing shelters, counseling options, and more. By working with a lawyer experienced in family law cases that involve the complexities of domestic violence, a victim can get the support and legal help they need to pursue additional charges.
What Are Restraining Orders and How Can They Help Abuse Victims?
Domestic violence can often be emotional and physical. A restraining order is a legal document that orders an abuser to stop this behavior toward the victim or risk legal consequences. In Kansas, a person can file for an ex parte order without notifying the other party until after it has been served. Once the order is served, it protects the victim and their children from abuse for up to, on average, 21 days until a full hearing can be held to determine if the order should be extended. This can help victims by giving them time to seek additional help and safety while moving forward with their case.
Ways to Take Care of Yourself After Experiencing Family Violence
In addition to calling a lawyer or seeking other legal help, it is vital for someone abused by a family member to take care of themselves. For example:
- Take care of your mental and emotional health, which can be difficult after abuse. This might include seeing a counselor, attending therapy sessions, or finding support groups.
- Also, take care of your physical health by eating well and getting regular exercise.
- Find ways to be joyful again, whether that’s through hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or whatever else makes you happy.
- It is essential to take care of your finances and ensure that you are on track with bills and other financial obligations.
- Work toward a future where you are free from violence and abuse, including working toward education and securing housing or employment options.
- Keep track of all interactions with the abuser and any law enforcement officers involved in the case to ensure that you are safe.
Contact Stange Law Firm Today for Family Violence Help in Kansas City
If you are a survivor of family violence and need legal help, contact the Kansas City area law firm of Stange Law to speak with an experienced family law attorney today. Our highly skilled lawyers are well equipped to assist in family law cases involving domestic violence. We can provide you with the legal support and guidance that you need to protect yourself and move forward as soon as possible.
