Frequently asked questions about what to do, personally and legally, if you are a victim of domestic violence.

1. Domestic Violence
Frequently Asked Questions

2. Who Can Be Affected?
Anyone, man or woman.
Domestic violence is a common occurrence
here in the United States and it spans across
all walks of life.
Your first priority if you are a victim of domestic
violence is to ensure the security and safety of
you and your children.

3. As a Victim: What You
Need to Know
Lawyers and judges take this issue extremely
seriously.
As a victim, the first and most important thing
to do is get you and your children to a safe
place where you can regain your strength and
make sure you are out of harm’s way.
If needed, seek out the assistance of a
domestic violence shelter, such as the
Sojourner Center (sojournercenter.org).

4. How Do You Protect
Yourself?
After you have found a safe harbor for yourself
and your children, the next thing is getting an
order of protection. This can be done at a court
in person or an attorney can help you. But - it
is an important move.
Start filing either y our divorce action or move
forward with a paternity action to keep
protecting you and your children.

5. What Steps Should a
Victim Take?
Develop a safety plan. This might include:
filing a police report
making arrangements to stay with family or
friends
obtaining an order of protection.

6. What is Some Advice for
Victims?
Each situation is different. Some situations
involve:
drug abuse
child abuse
other abuse/mistreatment, etc.
Anyone who has been a victim of domestic
violence should seek counseling for him or
herself and any children involved.

7. What Should You Do
After the Dust Settles?
Seek out the services of a competent attorney,
one who specializes in domestic violence
cases.
Move forward with your paternity or divorce
action.
Get an order of protection, if you haven’t
already.
Have a support system and any court orders
you need to move on with your life.

8. What Are the Effects of
Domestic Violence?
Almost immediately, a victim needs to start
putting the pieces of his or her life back
together, regaining self-confidence and
rebuilding the children’s self-confidence.
If you are a victim who doesn’t even remember
the last time you had a peaceful dinner, take
that step to enjoy one. Buy new clothes, begin
a new hobby, socialize with your children and
old or new friends.