Domestic Violence Victims

Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Victims Attorneys

Most people have the notion that domestic violence only involves spouses. However, anyone can be a domestic violence victim, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

According to Florida law, domestic violence can be any assault, criminal offense, or physical injury by a household member to another household member. Therefore, victims of domestic abuse must seek protection from the court system.

FL domestic violence lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve to safeguard your rights and protect yourself. But before you contact an attorney, take your time to understand what domestic violence entails.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence or abuse is the willful intimidation, sexual assault, physical assault, battery, and other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of control and power. This can be by an intimate partner against their partners or a family member on other family members. The severity and frequency of abuse can vary drastically.

The threats or actions of influence can be to intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, terrorize, or blame someone. However, it usually occurs in relationships, dating, marriage, or living together.

According to NCADV, around 20 people get abused by their intimate partners every minute in the US. In one year, this number will equate to 10 million victims, both men and women.

In 2019, Florida domestic violence shelters received up to 3005 adults and children, with an additional 172 unattended requested services due to lack of resources. As of December 2019, Florida had an estimated 248 misdemeanor domestic violence and five active, proactive order records on the NICS index.

Additionally, the state of Florida police receives over 108,000 domestic violence cases every year. In 2020, the reported cases reached 106,515, resulting in 63,217 arrests. Additionally, 37.40% of these cases are against women, while those against men are 29.30%.

Types of Domestic Violence

Most people only focus on physical assault where the victim(s) has visible injuries. However, this only accounts for one type of domestic violence. Other types include:

• Sexual abuse – involves using sex in an exploitative manner. This can be coercion, withholding sex as punishment or control, making fun of someone’s sexuality, or exploitation.
• Verbal abuse – this can be in the form of threats, coercion, or blame. It could result in name-calling, threatening to hurt the victim, screaming or yelling, and telling the victim they are undesirable.
• Control – it’s how abuse maintains dominance over the victim. The abuser always believes that they have the justification for controlling the victim. It can include excessive phone calls, coming home unexpectedly, or threatening to hurt the victim’s children.
• Intimidation – this could involve forcing the victim into drugs, isolating them from the rest of the community, attacking their self-esteem, or criticizing to undermine the victim.

With all these cases, the domestic violence victims can get justice with the help of domestic violence lawyer Fort Lauderdale. In addition, the domestic abuser lawyer can help you get an injunction to keep your abuser away from you as they wait for trial.

Causes of Domestic Violence

Most domestic violence victims think it’s their fault for getting abused. This comes with trauma and confusion. Most people usually wonder why the victims won’t get up and leave.

While looking at the causes of domestic violence, it’s vital to note that it’s a choice and not an uncontrolled impulse. The victim is never to blame for abusive behavior. Sometimes these victims try doing things to please their abusers. However, their need and urge to control will still show eventually.

Here are some of the common known causes of domestic violence:

1. Low self-esteem
2. Insecurity
3. Substance abuse
4. Personality disorders
5. Gender ideologies
6. Cultural attitudes and
7. Anger management struggles

Effects of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can cause physical, emotional, economic, financial, and psychological effects on the victim or the victim’s dependents. For instance, children in a domestic violence home can have trouble relating with their mates.

Physical Effects

• Bruises
• Sexual dysfunction
• Involuntary shaking
• Broken or sprained wrists
• Chronic fatigue
• Muscle tension

Psychological or Mental Effects

• Anxiety
• Depression with prolonged sadness
• PTSD with flashbacks, nightmares, or uncontrollable thoughts
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Low self-esteem(questioning the sense of self-worth)
• Suicidal thoughts

Emotional and Spiritual Effects

• Feelings of unworthiness
• Hopelessness
• Unmotivated
• Doubting spiritual faith
• Inability to trust
• Discouraged about the future

Effects on Children

• Poor academic performance
• Fearful
• Depression
• Anxiety

Domestic Violence Law

With the help of domestic abuse lawyer Fort Lauderdale, the state of Florida states that with just a single domestic violence action, the abuser can be immediately prosecuted. If the defendant is guilty of domestic abuse, they must serve one year on probation and attend a batterer’s intervention program.

As a domestic violence victim, you can get an injunction with the help of your Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer. Once you report the matter, your domestic abuse lawyer will help you get a hearing as fast as possible. If the judge decides that you are in danger, they can issue a temporary injunction. This takes place whether the abuser is present or not.

There are instances when the accused is facing false allegations. This usually happens for several reasons. Unfortunately, a false domestic violence accusation can cause tremendous harm to an individual. If you have been falsely accused, you must immediately speak with a domestic violence lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

How We Can Help You

Domestic violence can cause serious psychological and emotional problems if you don’t get the necessary help. If you feel and know you are being abused or fear the situation is building up toward abuse, get in touch with a domestic violence attorney FL. They will help you take the necessary steps toward protecting yourself and your rights.

At Roderman & Johnston Partnership of Professional Associations, we have experienced Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyers who can help you get justice. Contact us for a free case evaluation today, and let us help you regain your freedom.