Domestic Violence Lawyer in Houston, TX
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many families across the United States. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in intimate relationships. Domestic violence can occur between current or former romantic partners, spouses, dating partners, family members, or individuals with whom an individual shares a child. In the Houston region, domestic violence deaths doubled between 2019 and 2022. However, there are many resources available to survivors of domestic violence and their families to assist them in leaving an abusive relationship
How Is Domestic Violence Defined According to Texas Law?
Texas laws define domestic violence as an act by a person against another member of their household or family that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault. In addition to physical violence, domestic violence also includes threats to a person that causes the person to fear forthcoming physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault.
Domestic violence is an act or a pattern of behavior that is used to gain power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. A violator can use physical, emotional, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse to control their victims.
Victims of domestic violence crimes can be any gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or economic class. It can occur in both married and unmarried couples, and in families of any configuration. Domestic violence can also occur between a parent and a child, a former spouse, dating partners, and between siblings and other relatives.
What Acts Are Considered Domestic Violence in Texas
The Texas Penal Code provides information on what constitutes domestic violence. It includes any of the following acts:
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Causing bodily harm or injury to another member of the household.
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Placing the other person in fear of imminent physical harm or injury.
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Threatening to harm or injure the other person or their property.
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Intimidating the other person by using verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior.
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Forcing the other person to engage in sexual activity against their will.
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Engaging in stalking behavior.
Texas courts recognizes that domestic violence can take many forms, and can include emotional, psychological, and economic abuse. It is essential to understand the warning signs of domestic violence, as well as the legal actions that can be taken to protect victims of domestic violence.
Legal Solutions for Victims of Domestic Violence
Legal solutions for victims of domestic violence can include obtaining a protective order, obtaining a kick-out order, and/or receiving financial compensation. Protective orders are court orders that prohibit the abuser from coming near or communicating with the victim to deter any further acts of abuse and often include provisions prohibiting them from possessing firearms.
A protective order can include a kick-out order. A kick-out order is a court order that requires the abusive party to leave the home shared with a domestic violence victim. Financial compensation may be available in a number of forms, including medical expenses, lost wages due to injuries sustained during an attack and spousal maintenance for victims who suffered domestic violence from their spouses.
Legal advice can help victims understand their rights and privileges under the law and know what actions they are able to take in order to protect themselves and their families from further violence.
What Should You Do If You or Someone You Know Is the Victim of Domestic Violence?
Domestic and family violence is a serious issue that affects families in Houston and throughout the United States. The National Domestic Violence Hotline estimates that one in three women and one in four men have been victims of domestic violence in their lifetime. It is a heartbreaking reality, yet it is important to know that there are legal solutions available for victims of domestic violence in Houston and its surrounding cities.
If you are in a domestic violence situation, the first step is to get help. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or the Houston Area Women’s Center at (713) 528-2121 for immediate assistance. The hotline can provide information about shelters, counseling, and legal resources. It is important to remember that you are not alone and there are people who care and want to help.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police.
Let Our Domestic Violence Lawyers Help
Working with an experienced lawyer can help ensure that victims have access to the protection they need from their abusers without further endangering themselves or others. Our experienced domestic violence attorney can provide victims with guidance on various domestic violence issues.
Our law firm handles domestic abuse cases and we are experienced in the areas of family law, criminal law, and civil law and will work with their client to evaluate the facts of the case, prepare legal documents, appear in court, and prepare for trial. We are well-equipped to handle issues relating to spousal abuse, child abuse, and other forms of domestic violence. We will analyze evidence, file documents necessary for court hearings, seek out witnesses if needed, and ensure our client receives fair treatment throughout the process.
We will also provide guidance regarding legal avenues available such as filing for divorce, obtaining a protective order against an abuser, and settling a child custody and/or child support dispute. Furthermore, our domestic violence lawyers may counsel victims on how to remain safe during future altercations between them and the alleged abuser. We work with local organizations such as shelters, law enforcement, and social service agencies to ensure our client’s safety and well-being.
Overall, domestic violence lawyers play an important role in advocating for those affected by this type of crime and have the necessary resources to help them through this difficult time.
