Domestic Violence and Florida Family Law Matters
There are countless unreported cases of domestic violence in Florida every year. Some of these only come to light during a divorce or child custody battle. Domestic violence is a very serious issue, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are in an abusive relationship, the first step is getting help. You may need the assistance of a Boca Raton domestic violence attorney who can help. At the Law Offices of Schwartz | White, our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience helping families of domestic violence try to break free.
In the event you are in immediate danger, you should call 911 and seek protection with a trusted family member or friend right away. Some victims are scared to leave their family home because they worry about forfeiting their rights to the house or other property. Please understand that the courts will not look at you in a negative light if you are leaving the home in an effort to seek safety due to domestic violence.
Types of Domestic Violence
Don’t mistakenly assume that domestic violence is only limited to physical acts. There are technically five different types of abuse, and most relationships will recognize more than one type of abuse present. The main types of abuse related to domestic violence cases are:
- Physical: Physical abuse in a relationship is the most well-known type of domestic violence. The reason is that it results in visible injuries like bruises, cuts, scars, and more. Any physical contact that is unwanted can be considered physical abuse. This includes refusing someone something they need to stay alive, like medication.
- Emotional: This is where the abuser manipulates someone’s emotions to turn over control of his or her actions. Emotional abuse can include repeated verbal attacks that someone is not worthy of being loved or insulting them to the point they lose their self-esteem. Emotional abusers typically use empty promises to continue keeping their victims under control.
- Psychological: This type of abuse is similar to emotional abuse, but the significant difference is psychological abuse uses control to manipulate a victim’s relationship with the outside world. This is in contrast with emotional abuse, which seeks to manipulate the victim’s feelings about the abuser. With psychological abuse, you often see victims having no contact with friends or family, and where the victim feels the need to ask for permission for seemingly minor decisions.
- Sexual: Sexual abuse is the unwanted sexual contact by the victim. Rape is part of this, but it can include other sexual offenses, like unwanted touching.
- Financial: In some cases, domestic violence extends into financial abuse as a means of control. The aggressor might not let the victim work or go to school. He or she might have to turn over all their paychecks to the aggressor.
Contact a Florida Domestic Violence Attorney Today
If you need help protecting your rights and you are looking to leave your abusive spouse, don’t go through this difficult process alone. Contact the Law Offices of Schwartz | White to learn more about the ways we can help.
