Hackensack Domestic Violence Lawyer

Abused? Injured? Threatened? A Hackensack domestic violence lawyer can help. On average, 20 Americans per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. Perhaps this statistic shocks you— or perhaps you are one of those 20 people.

One in four women (and one in nine men) have experienced some form of physical violence from their partner— the type of physical violence that, frankly, we don’t often qualify as physical violence or domestic abuse (shoving, pushing, etc.). One in four women (and one in seven men) have experienced severe physical violence.

Of course, the statistics could continue. And making a change is tough: leaving your marriage because of the fear, threat, or intimidation of physical violence can feel overwhelming, as in not knowing how to start or what to do. If you’ve already survived an experience of physical violence, it may feel impossible: how do I get out in a way that’s safe, that benefits my family, that is supportive of my children?

As the statistics bear out, you are not alone. At O’Cathain Law Group, our motto is Move Forward. Perhaps no one needs to move forward more than a spouse in an abusive relationship, a spouse who is suffering from domestic violence. Which is why you need a dedicated family law attorney from our firm on your side.

Let’s look at the steps to take and how they can help:

• If you feel in immediate physical danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or
  visit them online at https://ncadv.org. To the extent that you can, remove yourself and
  your children from the potentially life-threatening situation. See if a sibling, a parent, or a
  friend would be willing to take you in as you attempt to sort the situation out. It can be
  daunting to ask for help, but nothing is more important than your immediate physical
  and mental safety.

• Consult with your Hackensack domestic violence attorney about a temporary restraining
  order (TRO). The goal of the order will be to keep your partner away from you and away
  from the ability to harm you again.

• Gather documentation that may show your abuse. This may include photos, text
  messages, emails, social media posts, and voicemails. Anything that you feel is relevant
  should be shared with your domestic violence lawyer in Hackensack.

• Remember that mental abuse is also abuse, also domestic violence. In addition to
  working with your attorney to proceed with your divorce in a way that feels safe with
  regard to your situation, you should take time to heal yourself. Seek counseling and the
  appropriate professional help you need for both physical and mental abuse.

• With regards to custody and parenting time, few issues impact a court’s decision as
  immediately as domestic abuse. Discuss with your lawyer what your goals and
  expectations are with regard to your children moving forward.

• If you have been the victim of domestic violence in your marriage, the court and the
  state can offer wide protections for you, including working within the system so you do
  not have to see your abuser as the divorce process proceeds. (If you decide you want
  to/can, in, say, a secure public location, consider asking a friend to always accompany
  you.) This is a factor you will want to consult with your lawyer about.

Contact a Hackensack Domestic Violence Attorney for Help

You may feel powerless. You may feel as if you are to blame. You may feel alone.
You are not. You are powerful, you are not at fault, and you are not alone. With the right New
Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer, you can leave your abusive marriage and move past this
awful chapter of your life. Take a step and return to who you are and what you deserve—
Move Forward.

Have you been the victim of domestic violence? We can help. Call our offices, fill out the intake
form, or email a dedicated Family Law paralegal to speak with a Hackensack Domestic Violence
Lawyer at O’Cathain Law Group.