How can I protect myself from domestic violence?
January 20, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Fred Busse
Dear Family Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I urgently need help to protect myself from domestic violence. Lately, my partner has been showing more and more aggressive behavior and has attacked me both verbally and physically. I no longer feel safe in my own home and I am afraid of further attacks.
My partner has also threatened to take our children away from me if I leave him or seek help. I am therefore facing a dilemma, as I want to ensure my safety on one hand, but on the other hand, I am afraid of losing my children.
I have already tried talking to my partner about his unacceptable behavior, but nothing has changed so far. I do not know how to proceed and what legal steps I can take to protect myself and my children.
Can you please advise me on how to protect myself from domestic violence? Are there legal options to enforce a separation and still retain custody of my children? I am grateful for any help and support.
Sincerely,
Elvira Bergmann.
Dear Mrs. Bergmann,
First of all, I would like to thank you for having the courage to seek help and talk about your situation. Domestic violence is a serious matter, and it is important that you protect yourself and your children. In your case, it is particularly concerning that your partner is also threatening to take away custody rights if you take steps to protect yourself from the violence.
As a family law attorney, I can offer you some advice on how to protect yourself from domestic violence while also retaining custody of your children. Firstly, it is important that you reach out to a domestic violence victim support center to receive support and guidance. These organizations can help you create a safety plan and assist you in taking legal action.
In cases of acute domestic violence, you can also contact the police to protect yourself and your children. The police can help you obtain a protection order (known in many countries as a "temporary restraining order" or "protective order") that prohibits your partner from approaching you or your children.
If you are seeking a permanent separation from your partner and wish to retain custody of your children, you can hire a family law attorney to assist you in filing for divorce and arranging custody. Your attorney can help you enforce your rights and ensure that your children can grow up in a safe environment.
It is important that you do not feel alone and seek support. Domestic violence is unacceptable, and no one should have to live in such a situation. Do not hesitate to seek help and take steps to protect yourself and your children.
I hope that this advice is helpful to you and encourages you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from violence and build a secure future for yourself and your children.
Sincerely,
Fred Busse
Family Law Attorney
