Tag Archives: domestic violence
Domestic Violence and the Holidays
The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year. People spend significant amounts of money on gifts for their relatives and prepare for elaborate holiday events. Unfortunately, the holidays are not ideal for all families, as many suffer from domestic violence almost every day, even on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The #MeToo Movement and its Impact on People Affected by Domestic Violence
In mid-October, social media exploded with one simple hashtag: #MeToo. After the allegations against Harvey Weinstein were widely reported, thousands of people, mostly women, expressed themselves by using #MeToo—either by simply posting the hashtag itself or by posting the hashtag along with their personal experience of sexual assault or harassment.
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Myths About Domestic Violence
Establishing a place to live with loved ones can be an exciting time in one’s life, especially if an individual has just married. However, finding oneself victim to domestic violence can result in a frightening and desperate situation.
Even though there are many organizations that have helped decrease the statistics of domestic violence, far too many cases are still in existence. Domestic violence is a serious issue that has often been taken too lightly.
Domestic Violence Statistics in Illinois
Being the victim of domestic violence is one of the worst situations a person can experience. Hence, it is essential that domestic violence victims, and those with loved ones affected by domestic violence, be aware of available support systems in his or her geographical location.
Domestic Violence and Divorce: Protecting Yourself and Your Children
The news never seems to have a shortage of homicides stemming from a divorce. One of the more recent involves the death of a mother and her two children. Although police have yet to confirm who is responsible for the deaths, they have stated that the woman was going through a divorce.
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Domestic Abuse and the Elderly
Domestic abuse takes many different forms. Abusers commonly employ a variety of tactics, both physical and psychological, to exert their control over their victims. While help is available for those suffering from domestic abuse, many never seek help or even report the crimes committed against them. Unfortunately, seniors in America are frequently the victims of many forms of domestic violence and abuse, and many of them suffer in silence. Only one out of every 24 cases of domestic abuse against seniors is ever reported. What is elder abuse, and why is preventing it so important?
How to Extend an Order of Protection
Some divorces and domestic splits become violent and threatening, with one spouse or partner placing the other in fear of physical harm to him- or herself or some other person. Sometimes the abuser will threaten harm to him- or herself. All of this behavior is, at its core, an attempt to assert power and control over a person or process the abuser feels he or she no longer has control over. Domestic violence and abuse can traumatize the victim, interfering with his or her daily life and any work-related and/or parental duties he or she might have. It can also negatively affect children and is even thought to cause health problems in pets.
Are Orders of Protection Effective?
A Jacksonville, Illinois man was shot and killed recently, allegedly by the man’s ex-father-in-law. Around the time of the man’s divorce, he sought and obtained an order of protection against his ex-wife, claiming that he feared for his life after his ex-wife allegedly threatened him with a handgun. Before the man was killed, court records appeared to show the man’s ex-wife allegedly violating the order of protection several times. Unfortunately, this man’s tragic experience is not unique. Although orders of protection are meant to protect victims of abuse and stalking from further harm, oftentimes violations of these orders go unreported by the victim or courts do not take sufficiently aggressive measures to deter future abuse. This leaves one to ponder: what “teeth” do orders of protection have in Illinois?
Reasons for Divorce: Knowing When Divorce is the Best Option for You
It can be overwhelming to think you might be facing the end of your marriage. When you took your vows, you promised to be together for the rest of your lives. But now, months, years or even decades later, you find yourself unable to relate to your partner and ultimately, unhappy in your marriage. You are not a failure. Your partner is not a failure. People change as they mature and sometimes, spouses make mistakes that break their marriages beyond repair. When you are at this point in your marriage, it is often healthiest for all parties involved for you to seek a divorce.
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Orders of Protection: Legal Protection When You Need It
If you are a victim of domestic violence or constant harassment from your current or former partner, you can obtain an order of protection to protect yourself from him or her. An order of protection is a court-ordered set of rules regarding how an individual may interact with the individual who sought the order. It is a criminal offense to violate this set of rules. If you feel that you need to file for an order of protection from your spouse or another member of your household, contact an experienced attorney to learn more about what such an order can and cannot do.
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