Never put yourself at fault for the actions of another. Blaming yourself will only open the door for more of the same abuse and make the offender feel justified in hurting you. In fact, that is the most common excuse of defense an abuser will use to manipulate your feelings and alleviate their own guilty conscience. Understand that they are likely to know you well enough to know exactly how to make you feel as though you deserve their harmful treatment.

Just as the abuser must be held accountable for their irresponsible and violent behavior you must accept liability of becoming your own savior, for you are the only one who can rescue you from the dangerous situation of being in a destructive relationship. To help you overcome fears and maintain the bravery needed to stay focused on protecting yourself, family, and assets, keep supportive family, friends, and professionals close by.

Taking action now to escape from further precarious circumstances may feel overwhelming, but it enables you to have a safe and happy future for you and your family in the long run. Things to discuss with your attorney include how to file a restraining order, what to do if your abuser violates the restraining order, getting the financial and emotional support you need for your and your children, division of property, child custody and visitation, and creating a plan for your physical safety and that of any children and family.

When what once may have been a healthy relationship becomes violent, you begin living life in fear of the very person you used to rely on for strength and safety. Depend on the Law Offices of Lynda Hinkle to provide you with the legal support you need. We understand what domestic violence is all about, and we will not downplay what you have been through, blame you for it, or disbelieve you if you can’t show physical bruises or if at some point a police officer or other authority didn’t believe it.

Acquiring professional legal help by calling for a free consultation at 856-983-0406 empowers you in planning for your protection. If you are in immediate physical danger always call the police first.

” Having an Attorney for Domestic Violence Case: Yes or No?

Get legal help. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call our office for a free consultation at 856-983-0406.

Don’t blame yourself. If you have been a victim of domestic violence, it is not your fault. Your abuser may try to make you feel as though it is, and chances are he or she knows you well enough to know how to make you feel that way. Don’t allow it.

Become your own hero. Although it is tempting to look for someone to save you in this terrible time of turmoil in your life, you are the hero you are looking for. Surround yourself with the support you need: a good attorney, friends and family who are supportive, a counselor or therapist, and any other professionals you may need. Don’t be afraid to lean on this support, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. But ultimately it is YOU who will get you out of this, and YOU who will look back on this time and know what an amazing, strong person you are for having done it.

Instead, focus on protecting yourself, your family, and your assets — both in the short term and in the long term. Right now your life feels chaotic; but think of how you will feel a year from now. Try to imagine how you want your life to be then. The things you do now will create that future for you and your family.

What to discuss with your attorney: creating a safety plan for your physical safety and that of your children, how to file a temporary restraining order, what a final restraining order is and how to get one, asking for the financial support you need, dividing property, your children and their support, child custody and visitation, what to do if your abuser violates the restraining order, finding resources for your emotional support, questions you have about the legal process.

When to call your attorney: whenever you have a question, concern or you need help finding a resource. However, if you are in physical danger call the police first, and then your attorney.