A proactive plan to escaping domestic abuse | Torrance Family Law ...

Domestic violence is a rampant problem in California and the rest of the United States, where one in four women and one in nine men experience some form of domestic abuse at some point in their lives. Domestic abuse can come in several different forms. While we tend to think of physical abuse first, it can also be verbal, emotional, mental, financial and sexual.

One of the confounding issues regarding domestic violence is that victims often struggle to free themselves from these relationships. Some don't know how or where to go to find the support they need to start a new chapter of their life. Domestic violence can be an isolating experience, and even when individuals are able to free themselves from their abuser, there is a risk they will end up going back to that person, still struggling to overcome the shackles of abuse.

It's important to understand the ingredients necessary to encouraging liberation from relationship involving domestic violence. The support of friends and family is essential to encouraging an abuse victim to take a stand and, perhaps more importantly, to stay strong over time. But before any of this can happen, abuse victims need to take the first step toward speaking out about their injustices and seeking help to save them from harm's way.

In most cases, victims need to leave their living situation immediately, and be prepared to stay away for a long time -- and possibly forever. Victims should put together a bag of essential items to take with them that include an extra change of clothes; government-issued ID, certificates, medical records and insurance information; evidence documenting their abuse; bank account information; credit cards; family and other important contacts; tax returns; emergency cash to cover expenses; and other small, valuable items.

Victims may also benefit from talking to a victim advocate beforehand. This person can help you keep in mind the potential obstacles and hazards you need to prepare for. An advocate can also direct you toward resources you can use to find food, shelter, financial assistance and other services. Finally, it is wise to contact an attorney who can help you secure a restraining order that prohibits the abuser from contacting you.

Source: Patch.com, "Escaping Abuse: Domestic Violence Victims Need Support," Kimberly Weisz, Aug. 25, 2012

Source: http://www.familylawyerca.com/2012/09/a-proactive-plan-to-escaping-domestic-abuse.shtml

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