Domestic violence in Houston, also known as partner abuse, spouse abuse, or battering, occurs when an individual uses force to inflict harm, either emotional or physical, upon another person they have, or had, a relationship with. It could happen among partners and spouses, children and parents, grandparents and children, and siblings. Victims may be any age, race, or sex.
Domestic violence is the single most significant cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the United States, more than muggings, automobile accidents and rapes combined. Annually between 2 and 4 million women are battered, and 2,000 of those battered women will die of their injuries. Violence against men by women is another issue, according to the August 2000 Annals of Emergency Medicine. In a study of an inner city hospital, men reported slightly more physical violence than women (20 percent of men and 19 percent of women), although women reported significantly more past and present nonphysical violence than men.
Should I hire a Houston Domestic Violence Lawyer?
An experienced attorney that specializes in Houston domestic violence cases can help you with your domestic violence case and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Houston Domestic Violence Charges
What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is assault, threatened assault, and abuse which happens in the following relationships:
- Married couples (also known as spousal abuse)
- Cohabiting couples
- Persons who have a child or children in common
- Persons in a dating relationship or who were in a former dating relationship
- Persons who were formerly married to each other
Domestic violence is a form of abuse which involves people who know each other, such as partners, spouses, ex-spouses, parents and children, or boyfriends and girlfriends. One definition of domestic violence is “intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, or placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent, serious bodily injury to himself, herself or another.” In many cases in which a person has been accused of or charged with domestic or spousal abuse, he or she is seen as guilty by the public based on the arrest, rather than the facts of the situation. Prosecutors will take the accusers statement and simply ignore other facts in the case. The only thing prosecutors are concerned with is making sure the accused pleads guilty.
Even an accusation of domestic violence must be taken seriously, as the negative consequences may affect the rest of your life, emotionally, financially, professionally, and in many other ways. An accusation of spousal or domestic abuse may also result in loss of work, child custody issues, a restraining order, and attack on your character. If you are found guilty of domestic or spousal abuse you will most likely be given a very severe punishment, possibly including:
- Anger management programs
- Probation
- Felony charges
- Jail time
- Counseling
- Monetary Fines
- Misdemeanor charges
- Loss of Employment Loss of Child Custody
Staying Safe From Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, far too many marriages and relationships are plagued by domestic violence. While sometimes abuse allegations can be used to gain an upper hand in divorce proceedings, they must always be taken seriously for everyone’s protection.
If you are suffering from abuse or your children are in danger, reach out to Houston Divorce Counsel immediately. We are an experienced family law firm in Houston, TX, who know how to take fast, decisive action to keep you safe.
Do not wait. Call our office today to start the process of getting a protective order to keep you and your children safe.
We Can Help You Get A Protective Order
Protective orders are a vital tool that can keep you safe while you await further legal action such as filing for divorce. A protective order could:
- Make your spouse or partner stay a certain distance from you at all times and prohibit him or her from contacting you
- Make your spouse stay out of the marital home while the order is in place
- Restrict your spouse’s custodial rights if he or she is a threat to your children
Spousal abuse is a serious subject, but it is also a delicate one. We will work diligently to respect your family’s privacy during a difficult time.
Providing Advice For Those Accused Of Abuse
We also represent those facing false allegations of domestic violence. When appropriate, our lawyers will contest a protective order to allow you to be in your own home and spend time with your children.
If you are the subject of a protective order, however, it is important that you follow its instructions. Judges will not be sympathetic to you “just wanting to talk” with your spouse to try and clear the air. You could wind up in jail.
You Are Not Alone. Call Attorney For Help.
Every year across the U.S. approximately 4 million people are the victims of assault by someone they know, although the cruel perpetrators should be punished, many men and women are wrongfully accused of violent acts they did not commit. As you can see, it is extremely important to hire aggressive and skilled legal representation to defend your rights during this difficult time. You may be able to have your charges dropped, avoid jail time, or receive an alternative such as counseling or probation. Contact us now for a confidential consultation.
With our lawyers on your side, our top priority will be keeping you and your children safe and protecting your legal rights. Schedule a discreet, confidential consultation today by calling our office.