How a Charleston, West Virginia Divorce Lawyer Can Help
Domestic violence in West Virginia isn’t something that we like to think about too often, but the fact of the matter is that it’s a real, widespread issue that affects millions of lives each year. It’s estimated that around one in four women, and one in nine men, experience some sort of physical violence or intimidation at the hands of their partner. If you’re married and find yourself in this situation, then it’s important that you take steps to work towards a divorce.
Taking the First Step Out of an Abusive Relationship
The stats show that most people who experience violence at the hands of their abusive partner tend to stay at the first or second instance that they first experienced the violence. Many wait and endure, often incorrectly believing that things will get better..
It’s important to keep in mind that violence in a domestic arrangement rarely just stops. Moving towards a divorce is to make a conscious decision to leave the arrangement, which is often the most difficult step. The time and energy involved in getting a divorce mean it’s something that requires full commitment before undertaking. Remember, you are not alone in this process; there are people around you that want to help.
Keep Detailed Notes of the Controlling Behaviors
Be sure to keep detailed notes of the incidents, as well as controlling tendencies that your partner displays. It is also important to record details of any police meetings, hospital visits, and the like when it comes to proceeding on with your divorce. Domestic violence cases can be tricky, but with documentation on what has happened in the past and records of what you are going through throughout the divorce proceeding, your chances of having a favorable outcome improves greatly.
Seeking Professional Help
When a person has shown that they’re willing to commit domestic violence another person, the threat of further violence always exists. Understanding what additional steps to take will help to keep yourself safe. This may involve talking with the police, moving out of the family home, a counselor, family member, friend, pastor, or talking with one of the support organizations that exist to help you deal with this situation.
Before moving on with the process of formally dissolving your union in the eyes of the state, more than anything, it’s imperative that you’re keeping yourself safe. There is also a private, 24/7 national domestic abuse hotline called The National Domestic Violence Hotline, that you can contact for help you find safety by connecting you to a service provider or shelter across the United States. You can reach the hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Talk to a Divorce Lawyer
When you’re ready, it’s important that you’re working with a divorce lawyer that specializes in domestic violence here in West Virginia. They’ll be able to give you all the legal guidance and support you need to make the process as straightforward as possible.
If it happens to be a contested divorce, which means it’s even more important that you have a trusted, experienced Charleston divorce lawyer on your side, the process of getting a divorce can be complicated, but you’ll feel confident and more likely to get what’s rightfully yours when you have a professional working hard to fight your corner.
Remember, It Is Not Your Fault
Divorce is difficult, whether you are affected by domestic abuse or not. If you are, however, you need to know it is not your fault – There is help out there for you.
Here at Pritt & Pritt, we hate the thought of what you had to go through; no marriage should result in violence. We hope that it gives you comfort to know that we are here to help you start a better life but to also know that we cannot wait to see a world where domestic violence becomes the past. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are going through such a situation.
