Domestic abuse, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), involves a range of harmful behaviors that may cause bodily harm, create fear or prevent a partner from doing what they want to do. It also includes forcing a partner to behave in specific ways that they do not wish to.
Domestic abuse also involves the use of forced sexual acts, intimidations and threats to a partner. Domestic violence, like any other form of violence is a violation of human rights and is punishable by law.
If you experience any form of violence, it is time to stand up and take action. You have the freedom to take your partner to court for domestic abuse, but first, you will need a lawyer. Here are some few tips that will help you pick the best domestic abuse lawyer.
- The lawyer must be readily available to serve you.
It is normal for you to be skeptical as to whether you should report the case to the authorities or not. However, the best choice is to do it. When you do, look for a lawyer who is ready to support you, and is accessible by phone. A good lawyer will always answer your calls even if you call them late in the night.
- The lawyer must understand and believe in you.
Whether you are the accuser or the accused, it is essential to find a lawyer whom you can relate with well, a lawyer who will understand your side of the story and believe in what you say. False allegations of domestic abuse are starting to get common these days. So the lawyer that you find must understand the intensity of your case so that he/she can be able to defend you correctly.
- Ask for past experiences and achievements of the lawyer.
In the event you are alleged to be a domestic abuser, you will need the perfect lawyer to defend you due to the weight of the case. You must ask for qualifications, past experiences and the successes that the lawyer has been able to achieve in his line of career. This way you can be sure a professional lawyer is handling your case.
- A good lawyer advises his clients.
Even if you are on the wrong, a qualified professional lawyer will give you advice on what to do and what not to do, in the event of a domestic abuse case. This is especially important, since you may be tempted to run away rather than face the court. A good lawyer will offer advice, and guide you on the right path to follow.
Conclusion
Domestic abuse is a severe criminal practice which is followed by similarly severe consequences. So it is essential to have the best domestic abuse lawyer if you want to win your case. However, you should be careful in choosing the right lawyer since some of them do not care about your needs; they are just after your money.
