Santa Rosa Family Violence Lawyer

SANTA ROSA FAMILY VIOLENCE ATTORNEY

Family violence refers to any abusive behavior among family members or people in an intimate relationship. All forms of family violence are serious, heinous crimes. At the Carroll Law Office in Santa Rosa, we know how difficult it can be to confront family violence. We can provide you with a personalized legal plan of action for you and your loved ones in Santa Rosa, California.

Different Forms of Family Violence

All types of family violence are horrible and overwhelming, and no one deserves to endure it. Emotional tensions and legal confusion often accompany the abuse itself and add to existing stresses.

A family violence lawyer can give you assistance by handling the complicated legal aspects of any of the following forms of abuse:

• Child Neglect: Child neglect is a form of abuse that includes failing to provide children with material things like food, clothing, medicine, or shelter. It also includes taking any action that results in social, emotional, or physical harm to a child. Child neglect can have devastating impacts. We understand how difficult and confusing it can be to discover and address the neglect of a child you love. Our team of family violence lawyers can explain how to put a stop to the neglect.
• Emotional Abuse: A distressing form of family violence is emotional abuse, which occurs when someone intentionally inflicts psychological harm on another person. Emotional abuse can include a large range of non-physical acts, such as manipulation, coercion, harassment, and humiliation. For instance, preventing someone from seeing their friends and family members or frequently putting someone down in front of others are both forms of emotional abuse. When emotional abuse occurs in families, it is a form of family violence. Sharing your experience with a lawyer can help determine whether you are facing this type of abuse and what you can do.
• Financial Abuse: Financial abuse happens all too often within families. Also called economic abuse, this can include controlling, withholding, or gambling with another person’s economic resources. Oftentimes, abusers want to create dependency so that those they are abusing cannot leave. For example, an emotionally abusive person might prevent his partner from accessing credit cards to buy her own goods. Financial abuse can also include putting contractual obligations in another person’s name against their will. Unfortunately, financial abuse often occurs at the same time as other forms of abuse, like physical and emotional abuse. If you feel that you or a loved one is going through financial abuse, reaching out to a lawyer is an important step in protecting yourself and your resources.
• Physical Abuse: Physical abuse occurs when a person intentionally inflicts physical pain on another person without their consent. This form of violence can involve terrifying actions such as throwing things, hitting, punching, slapping, tying someone down, locking someone up, and more. Whether you are facing or witnessing physical abuse, it can be understandably hard to speak out about it. When you reach out to a lawyer for help, you can trust that they have your and your family’s interests at heart and can approach your case with respect and compassion.
• Sexual Abuse: Often occurring in tandem with physical, emotional, and verbal abuse, sexual abuse occurs when a person engages in sexual acts with another person without their consent. It is important to note that any type of non-consensual sexual touching counts as abuse. Unfortunately, forms of sexual abuse are a common form of family violence and, too often, involve children. There are special laws and legal procedures for child sexual abuse. A family violence lawyer can inform you of the legal steps necessary to address and prevent sexual abuse in the household.
• Verbal Abuse: Verbal abuse refers to the use of language to intentionally hurt another person. Verbal abuse is considered a crime if it includes threats that make another person afraid for their safety. This type of abuse is often used to manipulate and humiliate others and keep them from leaving the abuser.

Why You Need a Santa Rosa, CA, Family Violence Lawyer

No one should have to go through family violence of any kind. Reaching out to a lawyer can help put a stop to this cycle and prevent the abuser from contacting you. Survivors of domestic violence often want to file for divorce or request a restraining order. In California, there are four types of restraining orders that differ based on the relationships among involved parties. A domestic violence attorney can identify the specific order you should request. If you would like to pursue criminal charges in a case of physical abuse, your lawyer can pursue a civil claim against your abuser.

FAQs About Santa Rosa, CA Family Violence Laws

What Is the Meaning of Family Violence?

Family violence is a general umbrella term for a wide range of abusive actions. The defining aspect of family violence is that it occurs among family members or people in intimate relationships. Family violence lawyers can help abuse survivors through the legal proceedings involved in ensuring their safety and moving forward.

What Are the Types of Violence That Occur in Families?

Family violence can involve several forms of abuse, including:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual
• Financial
• Verbal

It can also refer to actions that neglect or endanger a child. If you are dealing with any form of family violence or have questions about your unique situation, a family violence lawyer can provide you with clarity and guidance.

How is a Domestic Violence Case Handled in California?

A domestic violence case usually starts with filing a temporary restraining order against the abuser. This puts an immediate stop to the violence and can often be processed the same day they are filed. To make this order permanent, the abuse survivor will need to appear at a hearing and present evidence of the abuse.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Domestic Violence in California?

The statute of limitations for domestic violence in California is five years. This means that an individual can come forward about domestic abuse if it happened within the last five years. If you are unsure whether your case has passed the statute of limitations, a lawyer can figure out your legal options.

Contact Our Santa Rosa, CA, Family Violence Lawyers Today

Contacting a lawyer gives you the greatest chance of having effective legal protection in the face of family violence.  At the Carroll Law Office, we take family violence seriously, and we understand how complicated and emotionally taxing it can be. Contact the Carroll Law Office today to consult with an experienced Santa Rosa family lawyer.