If you are getting a divorce and you have suffered as a result of verbal, physical, sexual or even financial abuse, it is important to approach the end of your marriage carefully. Many people are unsure of how to handle these situations and some people are even afraid to step forward because they fear that the abuser will lash out against them or their children.
Although it is sometimes very difficult for domestic violence victims to stand up for their rights, abusers cannot get away with their actions, especially if they continue to pose a threat to the well-being of others.
The importance of addressing domestic violence
Sometimes, people do not take action after experiencing domestic violence and those responsible for abuse continue to maintain contact with their ex, which can threaten one’s emotional and even physical well-being. Moreover, if your former partner abused your kids, this is a very important issue that you need to bring up in court with respect to child custody. In fact, some people experience abuse even after their marriage ends if they fail to address domestic violence during the divorce process, according to research published by the National Criminal Justice Research Service.
The options available to domestic violence victims
Whether you experienced severe abuse on a regular basis or you experienced relatively minor abuse from time to time, everyone is in a different position and there are various options to consider. Sometimes, victims can hold abusers accountable for their actions in court. Some are able to secure more favorable and healthy custody outcomes and other measures are also helpful for many people, such as obtaining a restraining order.