Domestic violence cases can vary, but there are some common aspects of these cases to keep in mind. Five important tips you should be thinking about when you pursue your case are a constant.
Speak with a lawyer first and foremost.
An incident of domestic violence should be taken seriously and you should get somewhere safe immediately. Leaving the house is a wise action to take regardless if it is physical or verbal threats being lashed onto you.
You may have doubts about filing a case, if you are having trouble deciding, you should still visit a lawyer to discuss what the best option is for you. Your lawyer can let you know what your rights are as a victim of domestic violence and will help you determine if you would like to proceed, whether you should pursue criminal charges, file a personal injury claim, or do both.
Your case may warrant criminal charges against the defendant.
Criminal charges may be appropriate if the acts against you were considered serious abuse. If you are unsure which charges you can file for, your lawyer can examine your case and help you make that determination. The range of criminal charges applied to domestic abuse cases run from aggravated assault to sexal assault and you will want to be sure that your attorney has all the details of your experience in case the court asks.
Make sure to include every necessary detail.
Unfortunately, individuals filing domestic abuse cases usually do not have enough evidence to substantiate a case because they only report the final acts of violence against them. To ensure a case is handled well, all the facts from the beginning of the abuse to the end should be thoroughly detailed in the report.
The court will need the clearest picture of the relationship between you and your spouse, which means you will have to describe details about interactions between the two of you. Even if they are not physically or emotionally abusive, they will be helpful in establishing a pattern of behavior and explain the full situation better.
The Domestic Violence Act includes feelings of imminent violence.
The Domestic Violence act has been amended a few times, but it has always defined acts of domestic violence as not only physical strikes but also forcing another person into a state where they are fearful of imminent bodily harm because of indicating threats. You should include these details in the report if you have felt threatened before.
There is more than one solution to your case.
You do have options for a solution in your case. Most situations are unique and need a unique approach to reach what you need. If you work with an attorney, like a domestic violence lawyer Salt Lake City, UT trusts, you can gain valuable advice that pertains to your particular domestic abuse experience as well as pursue an appropriate resolution. Contact a firm for help today if you have any questions about pursuing a personal injury or criminal case.
Thank you to Rasmussen & Miner for providing their insight on domestic violence.
