Domestic Violence

What is Considered Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

This abhorrent violence includes behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish, or force them to behave in ways they do not want.

Unwanted sexual contact, or sexual assault, is also a form of domestic violence.

Almost all intentional torts can also be considered forms of domestic violence as well.

If you or someone you know has suffered any damages due to dating violence, you may be eligible to file a domestic violence lawsuit.

Contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer from TorHoerman Law today to discuss your legal options.

Domestic Violence Statistics

• On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, psychological violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S.
• About 84% of victims are psychologically abused by their partners, 50% are physically abused, and 33% have experienced sexual abuse.
• A North American study found that children who were exposed to violence in the home were 15 times more likely to be physically and/or sexually assaulted than the national average.
• One in ten high school students has experienced physical violence from a dating partner within the last year.
• 96% of employed domestic violence victims employed experienced problems at work due to abuse.
• 58% of college students say that they do not know what to do to help someone who is a victim of dating abuse.

What to Do if You Are the Victim of Domestic Violence

You cannot stop the actions of an abuser – however, you do have control over how you prepare and react to any possible violent outbreaks.

Creating a safety plan is one of the best things any victim can do to help prevent them from enduring further trauma.

The following is an example of a good safety plan:

1. Contact the Authorities

Call 911 if you are in any immediate danger.

The police can help by arresting your attacker and recording police reports.

You can utilize police reports as evidence to support your claim in court in order to receive a restraining order and/or financial compensation.

2. Remove Yourself from the Situation, if Possible

You should make an effort to leave any environment in which you feel in danger.

Often, victims are not able to leave their situations because of a multitude of reasons.

Financial complications and potential public perceptions are just a couple of reasons among many that force victims to stay with their abusers.

As mentioned below, there are resources out there to guide you out of these horrific environments.

3. Seek Support

Support may come from many different aspects of life.

There are numerous organizations solely dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse.

Find several trusted individuals that you can contact if you need a ride, somewhere to stay, or help to notify the police.

Friends, family, peers, and coworkers are all viable sources of support during these tough times.

Seek medical treatment for any injuries that you have suffered.

Mitigation will strengthen your domestic abuse lawsuit claim.

You are not in this alone.

You deserve a life full of happiness – free of danger and violence.

Resources for Victims & Survivors

• Battered Women’s Justice Project – provides technical assistance and training for advocates, attorneys, law enforcement officers, policymakers, victims, and their families and friends.
• National Domestic Abuse Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
• National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence – provides customizable training and consultation; influences policy promotes collaboration; and enhances diversity with the goal of ending domestic and sexual violence.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
• Peace Over Violence – multicultural volunteer-centered organization dedicated to building healthy relationships, families, and communities free from sexual, domestic, and interpersonal violence.

What are Grounds for a Domestic Violence Civil Lawsuit?

The legal system is divided into two separate areas – Civil Law and Criminal Law.

Domestic violence lawsuits can be filed in both types of courts.

The major difference between the two courts has to do with who is bringing the case into court, and for what reason.

Civil Domestic Violence Lawsuit

In civil domestic violence lawsuits, the victim is the one who is tasked with bringing a case upon the court.

While you are not trying to get the abuser sent to jail, you are able to seek compensation for damages.

These damages can be either physical injuries or emotional and psychological trauma.

Criminal Domestic Violence Lawsuit

In criminal domestic abuse lawsuits, the state or county is the party responsible for taking the case to court.

Furthermore, these types of lawsuits involve the abuser being charged with a crime.

A prosecutor is tasked with convincing a jury that the abuser has broken the law.

Filing a Domestic Violence Lawsuit

The civil litigation process requires extreme attention to detail and extensive knowledge of the legal system.

The whole process can add unnecessary stress to those who are already having to deal with the trauma that comes with being abused.

Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to have an experienced domestic violence lawyer fighting for you.

At TorHoerman Law, our personal injury attorneys specialize in domestic violence lawsuits.

Our clients have been awarded more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements.

Hiring a Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence lawyers should not only be experts in the legal field, but also well equipped to help survivors and victims cope with the abuse they have suffered.

Domestic violence is never the victim’s fault.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand the difficulties that come with domestic violence – we are experienced in litigating these types of cases.

We know the road to recovery is rarely easy.

Our domestic violence lawyers empathize with all victims and will be there for you throughout every step of your recovery.

TorHoerman Law: Domestic Violence Law Firm

File your domestic violence lawsuit now before the statute of limitations expires.

TorHoerman Law is here to serve you.

Our domestic violence law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us anything until you are awarded compensation.

Contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer today at (888) 508-6752 to determine your best legal course of action.

Use the chatbox below for a free, instant no-obligation case consultation.