An Austin Domestic Abuse Lawyer Answers Tough Questions About Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can take many forms. As an Austin domestic abuse lawyer can explain, in most cases the root motivation for the abuser is control over the victim.

Understanding the Causes of Domestic Violence
Abusers often wish to control the activities, behavior, and even the thoughts of their victims. As an Austin domestic abuse lawyer can explain, the aggressor often attempts to control the victim with threats or intimidation, restrictions on both physical and financial freedom and physical violence. While women represent the largest population of victims, men are also often subjected to domestic violence. Children represent the most heartbreaking victims.

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms
Certainly, physical violence can lead to the most devastating consequences. However, as an Austin domestic violence lawyer can discuss, aggressors often do other things in an attempt to control their spouse or partner. They may cut the victim off from family, friends or other support systems. They may restrict the victim’s access to finances etc. All of these behaviors are aimed at controlling the victim and making them dependent on the aggressor. Domestic abuse can also take on many forms. In addition to physical violence, abuse may be sexual, psychological, or emotional. Unfortunately, nonphysical abuse often accelerates to physical abuse of the aggressor continues to feel that lack of control.

Options for Dealing with Domestic Violence
Understand that domestic violence is a crime. An Austin domestic abuse lawyer can discuss your legal options for dealing with it. The victim’s safety is, of course, of paramount concern. Your attorney can discuss the need for a shelter or other safe house if the situation is severe. One of the first lines of defense in a legal sense is to obtain a protective order against the perpetrator. Your attorney can discuss the procedure for obtaining one. Essentially, if sufficient cause exists to issue a protective order, the judge will sign one prohibiting the aggressor from contacting the victim or coming within a certain distance of them. If the aggressor violates the order, he or she may be arrested.

If you or a loved one have experienced or fear you may be in a situation where domestic violence is imminent, don’t wait. Call a skilled Austin domestic violence lawyer right away to discuss your legal options. Call the offices of Nunis & Associates at (512) 236-9696 to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation.