Domestic Violence
Our
family law section is headed by
STUART H. GROZBEAN. Mr.
Grozbean was named to "Who's
Who" in 1998, 1999, 2000. He is
now a life member of "Who's
Who", a prestigious national
recognition of outstanding
professionals in the United
States. He is also the developer
of the child support guidelines
program in Maryland. His program
is widely used by Judges,
Masters and Lawyers in
Maryland.
Mr. Grozbean
has been quoted in the
Washington Post, USA Today and
on the various television and
news channels.
Domestic
violence has
been around
for a long
time.
Unfortunately,
battered and
abused
spouses were
ignored
until recent
times when
legislatures
finally woke
up and
enacted
legislation
to protect
those who
could not
protect
themselves.
No one and I
mean no one
has the
right to hit
another.
There is no
excuse and
absolutely
no reason
that anyone
should have
to suffer
from
violence and
humiliation.
The real
question is
why
battered and
abused
spouses
allow
themselves
to be placed
in a
position for
abuse?
There is
no simple
answer.
However,
here is a
list of most
common
reasons.
-
Financial
dependence
on spouse
-
Lack
of self
esteem and
depression.
-
The
children.
-
No place to
go and no
support
group spouse
is aware of.
-
Embarrassment
over
admitting
failure in
the
marriage.
 Is there help? Yes!!-But first
you must be willing to help
yourself before anyone can help
you. Admitting there is a
problem is the first big step.
The second thing you need to do
is seek advice from a member of
the clergy, mental health
professional, marriage support
groups or an attorney in your
community. Many communities
offer free support groups and
places you and the children can
go and stay in times of crisis.
Check it out so the next time
you are prepared to take the
right steps for you and the
children.
Never use domestic violence as a
way to instigate an altercation
because you are trying to get
your spouse out of the house.
This could boomerang against you
and now you are on the
defensive. Judges are keenly
aware that there is room for
reverse abuse by using the
statutes solely for self gain
and to get custody of the
children as the first strike in
a custody battle. You could
loose and so do the children.
The Courts generally define domestic violence as an individual
who has received deliberate, severe, and demonstrable physical
injury, or is in fear of imminent deliberate, severe, and
demonstrable physical injury from a current or former spouse, or
a current or former cohabitant. The Court can and does look at
past acts of domestic violence.
Do not wait until after you have
been abused, because the Courts
are there to provide immediate
relief and generally will not
issue an order weeks after the
incident.
 When you go to Court many
advocacy groups can assist you
at nominal charge or for free.
If you know that you need and
want a final break in the
relationship and you are ready
to help yourself, then contact a
lawyer in your community to
assist you. He can help you
prepare for your trial. He
understands the judicial process
and can help you from making a
mistake that could lead to a
denial of a domestic violence
order. Be prepared to have
witnesses, bring photos and
medical records.
Don't be a statistic. You need
to help yourself before anyone
can help you.
Your future
depends on what you do.
Victims
of
Violence
in the
U.S.
This article is general in
nature and you should check with
a lawyer in your community for
specific legal advice on your
facts and domestic violence laws
in your community.
YOU SHOULD REMEMBER THE
INFORMATION THAT YOU READ HERE
IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND NOT
MEANT TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR
SPECIFIC LEGAL ADVICE FROM AN
ATTORNEY.
MAIN OFFICES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
WITH AFFILIATE OFFICES ATLANTA &
SAN FRANCISCO AND REFERRAL
OFFICES FROM COAST TO COAST
|
