Around 24 people are the victims of some kind of domestic violence every minute in the US.
This is one of the most difficult situations anyone can find themselves in. Your life partner should be the person you trust and rely on, not someone who tries to cause you harm.
If you do find yourself having to deal with domestic violence, it’s imperative that you know your rights.
Read on as we take a closer look at domestic violence victims’ rights.
Domestic Violence Victims’ Rights
If you’ve suffered domestic violence, there are many legal rights you have that you should be aware of. We’ve looked at some of the most important here.
Criminal Courts
The most important right you have is the right to partake in the criminal prosecution of your attacker. The state has a mandate to prosecute those who commit a violent crime, and you will have the right to give a statement to the police, testify about the incident in court, and prepare a victim impact statement.
While this can be difficult for a domestic abuse survivor, it is crucial to the administration of justice. No abuser deserves to escape the law, but many do.
Civil Courts
You also have the right to be compensated for the harm you’ve suffered through the civil court.
If you’re going to court in a civil capacity, you’ll need a lawyer. When you hire an attorney they’ll help you through every step of the process, from documenting the incidents of violence to preparing your statements before you give them in court.
A good lawyer is therefore crucial to your success in a civil domestic violence case.
Right to Support
The state will provide personal support to you if you have suffered domestic violence. You have the right to access community-based crisis services, treatment programs, and counseling.
What to Do if You’ve Been the Victim of Domestic Violence
There are many important steps you need to take if you’ve been the victim of an incident of domestic violence. The first, and most important, is to ensure your safety.
If the incident occurred at home, leave as soon as you can. Go to the home of a friend of a family member you trust. Even if your partner is apologetic and claims to regret what they have done, you need to create space between each other before taking further action.
At this point, make sure to seek medical attention if you feel you need it.
If the violence is sustained or your partner won’t allow you to leave the home, you should try to contact the police if you think it’s safe to do so.
Securing a Fair Outcome
Domestic violence is a difficult and tragic thing for anyone to have to endure, but it is not the end. By taking the appropriate steps, you can put it in your past and move on with your life.
At Hamilton Grant, we work tirelessly to uphold domestic violence victims’ rights. If you’ve suffered domestic violence and you need legal help, contact us today.