When most people think about domestic violence, they may imagine a scenario involving physical violence, where one person pushes, punches or hits the other, often inflicting bodily injury. Unfortunately, this type of situation is all too common when a marriage is dissolving, but it does not reflect other aspects of domestic and family violence. Did you know that domestic violence can take many different shapes and forms and that you can get protection from a family law court as you proceed with your divorce application?

Physical Violence

Firstly, if you encounter any form of physical violence within your relationship, you should talk with the police as soon as possible. They will certainly be able to help you with the immediate and ongoing threat, but you can also talk with the courts to get what is known as a domestic violence order.

Financial Control

As mentioned, domestic or family violence can emerge in different behavioural patterns. For example, the other person may try to limit your access to money by restricting a jointly held bank account. They could try to control your spending, or get in the way if you want to take a training course or other activity to further your progress.

Psychological Abuse

Alternatively, they may exhibit verbal, emotional or psychological abuse. In this case, they might try to undermine your feelings of self-worth and tell you that you will never amount to anything. They may constantly be trying to put you down and criticising your every move, leading to self-doubt on your part.

Layers of Protection

Many people endure this type of violence for years without realising that they are being subjected to it. Nevertheless, a court can recognise it and may introduce an order to protect you as the aggrieved person. These orders can be very specific and may stop the other party from coming within a certain distance of you, your place of work or home. They may also be banned from talking to your friends or relatives or contacting you in any way, including social media. You will still be able to communicate with them (and vice versa) through a legal representative, so you can proceed with your application for divorce and do your best to get on with your life.

Getting Support

Clearly, there's a lot at stake in this type of delicate situation. The police may be your first port of call in many scenarios but in any case, talk with a family lawyer as well. They will tell you how to proceed and ensure that the paperwork is filed to get you the protection needed.

For more information, contact family law solicitors near you.