Domestic Violence Lawyer San Bernardino

Domestic violence happens all too often in the state of California. In many cases, victims of spousal abuse have children under the age of 18 who still live in the same home. Domestic violence doesn’t only affect the victim. It sends a ripple effect throughout the entire family, and it can be physically and emotionally devastating for generations.

What is Domestic Violence?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, domestic violence is “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.”

These behaviors are typically designed to:

• Manipulate
• Humiliate
• Intimidate
• Frighten
• Terrorize
• Threaten
• Hurt, wound or injure

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual or emotional. It can also be psychological and economic. Sometimes several types of domestic violence are used in conjunction with one another, creating a terrifying home environment from which the victim feels there is no escape.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can include:

• Hitting
• Slapping
• Pushing
• Biting
• Hair pulling
• Denying someone medical care
• Forced alcohol or drug use

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can include:

• Rape
• Forcing sex after physical violence
• Treating someone in a sexually demeaning manner
• Coercing any sexual contact without consent

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can include:

• Constant criticism
• Name-calling
• Damaging relationships with children and other family members

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse can include:

• Threatening physical harm to one’s self, partner, children or others
• Harming pets
• Damaging property
• Forcing isolation
• Causing fear by intimidation

Economic Abuse

Economic abuse can include:

• Withholding access to money
• Forbidding someone from attending school
• Forbidding someone from attending work
• Maintaining total control over financial resources

California Domestic Violence Statistics

Not all domestic violence incidents are reported. In fact, experts estimate that 90 percent of cases go unreported.

Domestic violence isn’t limited to female victims. However, approximately 40 percent of women in California will experience domestic violence during their lifetimes. Women between 18 and 24 are more likely to experience domestic violence than women in other age groups are.

Of all the women in California experiencing domestic violence, 75 percent of them have minor children living in the home.

What to Do if You’re a Victim of a Violent Spouse

There are many resources available in San Bernardino and beyond for victims of domestic violence. However, the most important thing is your safety and your children’s safety.

Your Safety is Paramount

If you are experiencing domestic violence, get to a safe place as soon as you can. It’s important that you call the police after a violent incident – even before you call a San Bernardino domestic violence lawyer.

The police and your attorney may be able to provide you with a list of helpful resources, including women’s and family shelters where you will be safe from your violent spouse.

Divorcing a Violent Spouse

In the vast majority of cases, domestic violence doesn’t just “go away.” In fact, it usually gets worse.

You don’t have to stay with a violent spouse. In the state of California, which is a no-fault divorce state, you do not even need a reason to divorce your spouse.

What About the Children?

If you are a parent, your main concern is probably your children and their safety. It’s important that you know California has laws in place to protect you and your kids if you are victims of domestic violence.

Police reports and other evidence will be essential in helping you obtain custody of your children and ensuring that you are all safe from your violent spouse. Your lawyer may ask you to provide any supporting documentation that you have in order to develop a strategy to protect you and your kids.

Talk to a San Bernardino Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

If you need help, we are here for you. Please get to a safe location before you call us, and remember to delete your Internet browser history when you are finished on this website. (Here are instructions for deleting your history on Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari.)

When you are safe, call us at 909-466-7661 or contact us online. We can give you and your children the help – and the hope – you deserve.