Domestic violence, once one of society’s dirty little secrets, is finally being brought out of the shadows and being treated as what it is — a crime.
Where once victim’s suffered in silence, hid themselves away from society and found closed doors when they sought help in the legal system, there are now many advocates actively working with abuse victims. As Raleigh family law attorneys, we have worked with many victims of domestic abuse.
These are always difficult and challenging cases. The victims are frightened. The path they follow to get relief from their abusers can be as threatening as the abuser. It does not have to be that way. There are many caring and concerned people who are waiting to help along the way.
In 2010-11, the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Council for Women/Domestic Violence Commission reports that more than 95,000 were made to law enforcement for domestic violence incidents.
Domestic violence knows no age limits, no racial barriers, no class standings. Abusers come in all shapes, all sizes, all races, all income levels and are of both sexes. One crucial fact to remember: the victim is not the cause the abuse.
The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence gives this definition:
“Domestic Violence is when two people get into an intimate relationship and one person uses a pattern of coercion and control against the other person during the relationship and/or after the relationship has terminated. It often includes physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse.”
If that definition covers you, then you need to seek help. We are here to help you.
We have experience dealing with people in your situation and we care.
If you need help dealing with a domestic violence situation, contact us. You are not alone and you do not need to suffer in silence any longer.
