Blog

A woman who is a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend or husband has probably tried to continue to live with the abuse for some time before deciding that separation and divorce are the only ways to escape the violence. Unfortunately, separating from the abuser can put women at a greater risk for abuse. It can also create a myriad of problems if there are child custody issues that must be resolved. Batterers can use child custody and visitation against the victim to try and control her and cause her emotional pain. Domestic violence has terrible ramifications for children. Witnessing a parent being emotionally or physically abused leaves an emotional scar that can sometimes never be erased. Children can be used as bargaining chips to keep a dysfunctional relationship going. A batterer may threaten to kidnap the children or do harm to them if a woman threatens to leave the relationship. If a woman decides to separate or divorce from her partner, it is possible for her to use tort law, which governs claims for damages for harm, to receive restitution for injuries that were inflicted by her batterer. Any criminal conduct such as domestic violence can lead to liability for damages under civil law. Additionally, if abusers try to maintain control over their victims by manipulation and the behavior is not seen as criminal, a claim for damages can still be brought. An example of this might be an abuser whose threats and intimidation negatively impacted the victim’s employment and livelihood. In civil law, the abuser can be held liable. When a woman decides to leave her abuser, she needs the services of a compassionate, knowledgeable, skilled and determined attorney that can assist her in getting a legal separation or divorce. She needs someone on her side that has experience in these matters and knows how to help her and her children remain safe. The attorneys at Harold, Salant, Strassfield & Spielberg have years of experience relating to domestic violence, child custody issues, visitation, contested and uncontested divorce, mediation, property division, legal separation and spousal support. Trust your future to attorneys that will stand by your side and make sure that you and your family receive the best representation available in Westchester County. Call the attorneys at Harold, Salant, Strassfield & Spielberg at 914-821-6952 or email gsalant@haroldsalant.com. Your first consultation is free.