It is not uncommon for individuals in a relationship to believe abusive language and behavior is normal. For many individuals, domestic violence is a new concept. In some areas of the country — and in families all over the United States — violence between a wife and husband, or between partners, is not a crime. But it is, and that’s where an Oklahoma domestic violence protection order is important.
Often, when faced with violence in a couple, most people shy away from the situation claiming that it is a private matter and none of their business. Unfortunately, many women — and some men — end up emotionally scared, injured or worse, deceased. Many times, families wish the victim would have filed a domestic violence protective order before the abuse became so severe.
It is estimated by the National Violence Against Women Survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Justice that 1.5 million women are victims of severe physical abuse. The majority of abusers are current or previous husbands, partners or boyfriends.
Domestic Violence Signs
The cycle of abuse starts small: Tension usually builds in the home, followed by violent episodes, a period of apologies, and remorse. It’s followed by a period of peacefulness, and then the cycle begins again.
If this sounds familiar you may need be suffering from domestic violence and need a domestic violence protection order so that you can seek safety.
Here are some common signs of domestic abuse that may indicate you need a domestic abuse attorney to file a protective order. Like when your partner:
- regularly makes fun of you in front of family and friends,
- doesn’t celebrate your accomplishments,
- makes you feel unable to make your own decisions,
- threatens you to make you comply with their orders,
- makes you think that you are not worthy without them,
- is physically rough with you — such as pinching, pushing, grabbing, shoving,
- shows up unannounced to make sure you are where you said you would be,
- leaves you places in order to teach you a lesson,
- forces you to make excuses to friends and family for their behavior,
- makes you think that if you change yourself, they will be better and change,
- makes you do only activities they want to do to avoid conflict,
- makes you afraid to leave them because of what they may do.
These actions, once started, only get worse over time — and more serious. It can be difficult at first to determine whether your partner is emotionally or physically abusive, and typically grows worse over time. Knowing the signs and how to protect yourself using a protective order is the first step to gaining control.
Your Rights as a Victim
Many victims blame themselves for staying, or begin to believe they are as worthless as their partners state they are. However, victims have rights, including the right to value themselves. Remember these rights when going through the domestic violence protection order process with your domestic violence attorney:
- You are not alone, 1-in-4 relationships in the United States include violence.
- You did not cause your partner to abuse you.
- You have to right to file for a domestic violence protection order and seek safety.
- You have the right to protect your children, who can also be covered by a domestic violence protection order.
- You have the right to any all legal remedies for your protection.
- You have the right to support, legal help, and emotional peace.
Free Consultation with a Tulsa Domestic Violence Attorney
Hiring a domestic violence attorney when you suspect you may be the victim of abuse will ensure whatever process needs to be done is expertly conducted, and your interests and safety are well represented.
A family law attorney is the best resource when you have been the victim of domestic abuse and you need to file a protective order, start divorce proceedings, or file for child custody.
Contact an experienced Tulsa divorce attorney when you need to go through the Oklahoma child support modification process.
For a free confidential consultation, call now: 918-924-5526.
