Victims of Domestic Violence

 Posted on July 12, 2013 in Divorce

The first step that many people take when trying to get out of an abusive relationship is to obtain an order of protection. To prevent domestic violence, an order of protection, or restraining order, is a legal document that states that the abuser must stay away from the victim for a certain amount of time, and that the abuser can be arrested for violating the order. A person can obtain and order of protection by requesting one after criminal charges have been filed against the abuser, asking a Kane County family law attorney to request one, contacting your local domestic abuse hotline or by asking for one yourself at the local clerk’s office. Some people, after being abused still decide to move away to get away from their abuser. If you decide to stay in a place where your abuser can get to you though, you should take precautions at your home to protect yourself. Change your locks in case your abuser has a key, add a security system including outside lights and smoke alarms and arrange for your work calls to be screened. Also ask neighbors to call the police if they see the abuser and always report violations of an order of protection. If you choose to leave and get away from your abuser, be sure to involve the police for safety and bring with you the following:

• ATM cards, credit cards and your checkbook
• Identification for yourself and your children
• Important paperwork such as divorce papers, school records, insurance papers and your order of protection if you have one
• Medical records
• Medications
• Keys
• Clothes
• Toys for your children
• Current unpaid bills
• Payment records

If you are trying to leave an abusive relationship, contact a Kane County family law attorney for help. Attorneys at Goostree Law Group can help you stay away from your abuser and stay out of your abusive relationship in Kane County, Ill. today.

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