Domestic violence is far too common in California and across the country. An estimated 15.5 million U.S. children live in homes where intimate partner violence has occurred in the last year. And more than a quarter of women and ten percent of men have experienced sexual, physical or stalking intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.
The numbers in California are just as alarming, data from the state’s department of justice indicates that law enforcement received more than 166,000 calls for assistance in domestic violence calls for assistance in 2010. Moreover, the 2008 California Women’s Health Survey indicates that 6% of women in California experienced at least one incident of physical or psychological domestic violence in the 12 months prior to the survey.
Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person in a relationship to maintain power and control over another. The signs aren’t just physical. Bruises and broken bones are easier to spot but domestic violence can also involve:
Intimidation:
This can be smashing things, making you feel threatened, abusing pets, or displaying weapons.
Coercion and threats:
This can involve threatening to leave, making you drop charges, or threatening suicide.
Economic abuse:
This may be taking your money, not letting you have a job, or giving you an allowance.
Using children:
This can include using your children to harass you or carry messages, threatening to take them away or report you, or making you feel guilty about the welfare of your kids.
Isolation:
Keeping you away from family and friends, controlling what you do and who you see, and using jealousy to justify actions are all signs of attempted isolation.
Emotional Abuse:
Putting you down, making you feel bad about yourself, playing mind games, and trying to make you think you are crazy are all emotional abuse.
How to Get Help
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there is help. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 to be connected to local resources. Or you can seek help on their website. The California Women’s Legal Center also has helpful resources, including the Domestic Violence Victims Handbook. You can access the handbook online or download a copy. The handbook contains information on determining whether or not your relationship is abusive, where to turn, how to break the cycle of abuse, how to help a friend who may be a victim, how to make a safety plan during and after an abusive relationship, and state-wide resources.
If you’ve been impacted by domestic violence and seek to secure a restraining order to avoid further abuse or to take legal action, contact family law attorney Dorie Rogers to disucss your case.
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“Dorie is a very powerful attorney and a great asset to have on your side in any family legal matter. She is extremely bright and insightful, and I got everything I asked for in my lawsuit.”
“I would strongly recommend Ms. Dorie Rogers for any legal needs. During my Divorce proceedings, Dorie’s professionalism, expertise in Divorce Law and legal skill helped bring my case to a close in both a timely and mutually agreeable manner.Additionally, Dorie took the time to understand me and my background to better represent me in my case. She showed a level of caring and concern that helped me through a very difficult time. She is an outstanding lawyer and wonderful person.”
“Second to none – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dorie to anyone. She was my attorney for my divorce and custody case. She will do everything it takes to get the job done and all with a smile on her face. Her knowledge and expertise will assist anyone in a family law situation get the results they want.”
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