Your attorney should also petition the court for a protective order, which shields you from your spouse or partner for up to one year. Any violation of the order by the abuser may lead to jail or fines. Financial assistance is also available through the courts, granting you exclusive use of the family home and temporary custody of your children. The court can also order your spouse or partner to pay temporary support as well as compensation for losses suffered because of the abuse. By filing for divorce, you can request sole custody of the children, child support and alimony, and exclusive rights to the family home.
Domestic violence is the most unreported crime other than child abuse and sexual abuse.
Thousands of women are killed yearly by abusive spouses and partners. Don t become a statistic. Take the steps to free yourself and your children from this dangerous environment.