Leveraging abuse against a partner or family member in order to exert control is domestic violence, a common yet highly under reported offense. Though typically regarded as a crime against women, the truth is that anyone can potentially abuse any person. Victims of domestic violence have the right to seek relief in civil and criminal court under state and federal law. A Raleigh domestic violence lawyer at Kirk Kirk Law can help examine your case and discuss the right path for your unique situation.

Even though it may seem obvious to outsiders, some victims aren’t aware of the abuse that’s taking place. Types of abuse vary widely and can include:

  • Physical – This type of abuse has the most visible results and therefore receives the most exposure in pop culture and society. Punching, slapping, biting, pulling hair, burning, lacerating, shoving, and generally beating up another person are all examples of the physical side of abuse. Another facet of this category is sexual violence, such as date or marital rape and sexually demeaning the victim. Lesser known types include preventing medical treatment and forcing substances on another person.
  • Emotional – Damaging a victim’s self-esteem through beratement, embarrassment, and invalidation qualifies as emotional abuse. This can take place as unrelenting insults, public degradation, damaging the victim’s relationships with children or other loved ones, and persistent criticism.
  • Psychological – The abuser can cause psychological damage through intimidation, stalking, threats of physical abuse, destruction of personal property, isolating the victim from friends and family, and threatening to harm themselves, the victim and their family or pets.
  • Economic – Manipulating finances so that the victim is economically dependent on the abuser signals economic abuse. Creating a dependence by withholding finances and preventing the victim from going to work is how the abuser establishes control.

Other Areas Of Family Law

 

Domestic Violence Against Women

Women are the most frequent victims of domestic violence by and large. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one in three women worldwide have been on the receiving end of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Additionally, male intimate partners are the cause of approximately 38% of murders of women. Some female survivors of domestic abuse have shown to sustain psychological damage to the point of suicide.

The extent of domestic violence and the traumatic effect on female victims can put entire families in crisis. Abusive offenses are unforgivable, and if you’re a victim, you deserve a domestic violence attorney who will defend your rights

The Violence against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 implements programs to help female victims of domestic violence and generated a national domestic violence hotline. Parts of the law, such as the confidentiality of new addresses, aim to make it easier for women to come forward as victims. However, domestic violence continues to be the most underreported crime, partially due to women fearing lashback from their abuser or becoming stuck in a dependent relationship. Our domestic violence lawyers are experts at litigation and will help you find solutions.

Domestic Violence Against Men

Though less frequent, domestic violence against men should never be downplayed or dismissed. Just like women, male victims can suffer physical, mental, emotional, or economic abuse and anxiety can prevent them from seeking help. Contrary to popular belief, state laws tend to use gender neutral language, meaning the legal system isn’t stacked against you. If you’re a male victim of domestic abuse, we can help. Call us today to discuss your options with a domestic violence attorney.

Signs of Domestic Violence

If you spot any of these symptoms of domestic violence, or if you’re the one being abused, take action now. You could save a life. A victim may:

    • Have bruises, cuts, or other injuries that keep appearing on the body, the most common of which include black eyes, red or purple marks at the neck, and sprained wrists
    • Try to hide injuries with makeup or clothing
    • Make excuses like tripping, running into furniture, or being accident prone, none of which match up with the severity of the injuries
    • Not have many friends or opportunities to make friends, and become isolated from family
    • Ask their partner for permission to go out or talk with other people
    • Seems to have few funds available, or lacks a credit card
    • Be very apologetic
    • Have low self-esteem
    • Talk about their partner’s temper but refuse to disclose the abusive actions
    • Abuse drugs or alcohol
    • Show symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness and withdrawing from usual activities
    • Talk about suicide or make attempts at suicide (If you witness this particular sign, encourage the
    • victim to talk to a health professional right away.)

Other Areas Of Criminal Law

Our criminal defense attorneys are able to represent you for a variety of charges, including:

Your Raleigh Domesitic Violence Lawyer

If you’re a victim of domestic violence, don’t wait to get help. Our Raleigh domestic violence lawyers are ready to offer strong legal advice with compassion and sensitivity. Stop the suffering. Contact us at Kirk Kirk now to begin your journey to healing.

Information presented on this website should not be construed as formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship.  Additionally, any email sent to Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, L.L.P. or any of its lawyers at the email addresses set forth in this website will not create an attorney-client relationship.

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