Have you experienced physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse from a family member or intimate partner? Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do, where to turn, and whom you can trust.
Call the Police
If you fear for your safety in any way, call 911 and the police will come help you right away. If you don’t feel that you’re in immediate danger, call the regular local police phone number. California law extensively protects victims and takes claims of domestic abuse incredibly seriously.
Get Legal Representation
It’s also important to get legal representation if you plan on divorcing, separating, or securing custody of any children in the relationship. Call Kendall and Gkikas LLP if you want a lawyer who will respect you, guide you through each step of the legal process, and fight for your rights. Kendall and Gkikas LLP has dealth with many domestic abuse cases, and we know how to handle it in the most considerate, professional, and respectful way possible. You can count on us to be on your side through this trying time.
Apply for a Restraining Order
If you or your child has suffered any type of abuse (or been the subject of a threat of abuse), you may qualify to apply for a domestic violence restraining order against anyone with whom you have a close relationship. This could be a spouse, registered domestic partner, ex-spouse, current or former dating partner, the other parent of your child, or other close relative, either by blood or marriage.
It’s not Just a Physical Act
Lots of people limit what they consider abuse to physical attacks, but there emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse is also incredibly harmful, especially to the victim’s sense of self-worth and well-being.
Get Support
There are important legal steps that need to be taken to prevent further abuse and ensure the abuser is properly punished, but it’s also important to make sure you get the emotional and mental support you need. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) and reach out to family members and friends who love you. You’re not alone, the abuse is not your fault, and you deserve to get the help you need. No matter what challenging situation you’re dealing with, there is a way out, and someday things will start looking up again.
