Domestic violence is one of the most serious and damaging forms of abuse. If you or someone you know are a victim to this kind of crime, it’s important to take immediate action. Make sure that safety is your top priority. In this article, we will explore critical steps one can take after a domestic violence attack, so that they can begin the process of healing and recovery.
Why Taking Immediate Action is Vital:
Taking immediate action after a domestic violence attack is vital in order to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. By taking a few simple steps, you can begin to protect yourself and your family from future harm.
1. Seek medical attention – if you have been injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will help you heal physically. It can also provide valuable documentation of your injuries in the event that you need to take legal action against your attacker.
2. Call the police – even if you are not seriously injured, it is important to call the police after a domestic violence attack. This will create a record of the incident which can be used as evidence should you decide to press charges against your attacker. The police can also provide you with information about local resources and shelters that can help keep you safe.
3. Create or update your safety plan – a safety plan is an essential tool for anyone who is dealing with domestic violence. Your safety plan should include things like emergency contact information, safe places to go, and how to get out of dangerous situations. If you don’t already have a safety plan in place, now is the time to create one. If you already have a plan, take this opportunity to update it with any new information or changes in your situation.
4. Get support – domestic violence can be an extremely traumatizing experience. Let your friends, family, and neighbors know what has happened and that they should be on the lookout for anything suspicious. It’s also a good idea to notify your workplace and give them a copy of the restraining order (if applicable).
Get Medical Assistance
Reach out to your doctor or a local hospital and explain what happened. They can help document any injuries and give you information about next steps, like filing a police report. You may also be able to get a restraining order at the hospital.
Know Your Legal Rights
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence, it is important to know that there are legal rights and protections available. While every situation is different, there are some general things that you should know.
First and foremost, victims of domestic violence have the right to a safe and secure environment. This means that abusers cannot threaten or physically harm their victims. If they do, they may be breaking the law and can be arrested and prosecuted.
Victims also have the right to get help from police and other law enforcement agencies. If you feel like you are in danger, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local police department. They can help you create a safety plan and connect you with resources in your community.
In addition, victims of domestic violence have the right to get a restraining order against their abuser. A restraining order is a court order that requires an abuser to stay away from their victim and have no contact with them. This can provide some much-needed protection and peace of mind for victims.
Finally, it is important to know that domestic violence is a crime. Abusers can be arrested and prosecuted for their crimes. If you are a victim of domestic violence, consider talking to a prosecutor about your case. A prosecutor can help you understand the criminal justice process and what to expect.
Contact the Police
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you are not in immediate danger but have been a victim of domestic violence, contact your local police department or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to speak with someone who can help. Find more information here.
If you live with your abuser, it’s important to change the locks on all of the doors in your home. You may also want to install an alarm system or security cameras.
Gather Evidence of the Attack
If you have been the victim of a domestic violence attack, it is important to gather evidence of what happened as soon as possible. This evidence can be used to help support your case if you decide to pursue legal action against your attacker.
Some examples of evidence that you should try to collect include:
– Photographs of any injuries that you sustained during the attack.
– Any clothing or personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed during the incident.
– Witnesses who saw what happened and can provide testimony in court.
– Police reports or medical records documenting the attack.
Collecting this evidence immediately after the attack will be much more helpful in pursuing damages from your attacker. If you wait too long, it may be more difficult to prove what happened and get the compensation you deserve.
Document All Injuries and Damages
You need to document everything. Take pictures of your injuries, the damage to your home and anything else related to the attack. Get a medical examination as soon as possible. This will help you physically and will also create a paper trail that can be used as evidence in court. The police may also take their own pictures and gather evidence, but it’s always best to have your own documentation just in case.
Seek Professional Support
Create or update your safety plan. This safety plan should include things like identifying safe places to go if you need to leave quickly, packing a bag ahead of time with essentials like clothes and medications, and having copies of important documents like your driver’s license and birth certificate readily accessible.
Reach out to your support, whether that be friends, family members, or professionals. These people can offer both emotional and practical support as you navigate this difficult time.
Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This may include getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and doing relaxation exercises. It’s also important to give yourself time and space to process the trauma you’ve experienced.
Seek professional support from a therapist or counselor.
File a Temporary Restraining Order or Seeking Emergency Custody if Necessary
If you’re the victim of domestic violence, filing a restraining order or seeking emergency custody may be necessary to keep yourself and your children safe. Here’s what you need to know about each option:
A restraining order is a legal order issued by a court that requires the abuser to stay away from the victim. It can also prohibit the abuser from contacting the victim by phone, email, or social media. If the abuser violates the restraining order, they can be arrested and charged with a crime.
Emergency custody is temporary custody granted by a court in cases of emergency, such as when there is a risk of harm to the child. Emergency custody orders are typically only used in situations where there is an immediate threat of harm and there is no time to go through the usual custody process.
If your attacker has been arrested, you may be able to get a temporary restraining order (TRO). This will typically last for about six months and will prohibit your attacker from having any contact with you, either directly or indirectly. A permanent restraining order (PRO) can also be obtained, but this requires a court hearing.
If you’re considering either option, it’s important to speak with an experienced domestic violence attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under the law. Contact an attorney.
