If you feel you are in danger, the #1 first thing you need to do is call the police immediately. The police will make a detailed report of your injuries and other issues, and then set up an Emergency Protective Order, which will last 5 days. During those 5 days it’s essential that you contact Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell to secure a permanent restraining order against the perpetrator. For your protection and continued safety, call right away after talking to the police. Your first consultation is free, and you’ll get the legal advice you need to legally separate yourself from this person immediately. Rest assured that you will be treated with the utmost respect and compassion. You can count on complete confidentiality at our office as well.
When your safety is at stake, no matter what the situation, make sure you act to protect yourself immediately. All the legal details can be worked out later—just focus on taking care of your physical wellbeing first.
Questions?
You probably have a lot of questions about what needs to happen to get a legal separation or divorce. Here are a few common questions and answers. Make sure you schedule a free initial consultation by calling (909) 920-0908 or emailing info@torrencelhowelllaw.com to discuss the specifics of your particular case.
How Does California Define Domestic Violence?
Whether the person who is abusing you is your spouse, former spouse, co-parent, dating partner, or close relative, California law strictly protects victims. Some forms of abuse that may be prosecuted according to California laws are:
- Physical abuse (kicking, punching, burning, biting, choking, hair pulling, force alcohol or drug use, and denying medical care may all be considered physical abuse)
- Threats of violence (don’t wait for an individual to act out his or her threats—if you feel your safety is legitimately in danger, get help right away)
- Harassment (including stalking both in-person and online, making threats, and sending harassing phone, text, or email messages)
- Mental abuse (this is defined as anything that makes you feel powerless, worthless, intimidated, etc. such as name-calling, mind games, force isolation from friends and family, and constant criticism)
- Sexual abuse (including marital rape, forcing sex after physical violence, treating the victim in a sexually demeaning manner, and forcing any other kind of sexual activity without consent)
- Child abuse (including deliberate physical harm, sexual abuse, verbal or emotional abuse, threats including violence and kidnapping)
- Spousal abuse (including physical violence, rape, withholding reproductive control, withholding money or employment to force the victim to depend on the perpetrator, emotional abuse, and threats)
Not Sure it’s Domestic Abuse?
Lots of victims aren’t sure about what’s going on until conditions are especially dangerous. If you’re at all unsure about your situation and whether the perpetrator’s actions qualify as domestic abuse come speak with expert domestic violence attorney Torrence L. Howell for a free, confidential consultation. We take our clients’ privacy and safety tremendously seriously, especially in the event of a domestic violence situation, so you can confide in us without any concern. Call now for a free case evaluation and to get the protection you need: (909) 920-0908.
