blogWhat to Do if You are the Victim of Domestic Violence

June 15, 20230

Relationships where there is domestic violence are extremely difficult things to navigate. There are so many ways to step but the first important thing is to speak to someone, anyone, and create a plan to leave. There are some useful pieces of advice in the guide below that will steer you towards the most suitable course of action for your circumstances, but the fact that you are here and reading this is an amazing first step.

Make a Safe Exit Strategy

The one thing that you absolutely must do whether it is right now this very second or in a week or so is leave. However, too often than not, it is the case with domestically violent partners that leaving is not enough. There has to be a safety plan in place and ready to go so that when you do get out, you will be comfortable and confident that they will neither know where you are, or how to get to you. Once you have left and gained some space from the relationship, it will be infinitely easier to think clearly and create a plan for what comes next.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

If you have a lot of injuries, or even a small amount, it is important to get to a doctor as soon as possible. Not only is this evidence, but this is also in your best interests so that you can see how real this is and ensure that your injuries are not causing too many issues. It will be good to know that you are covered and looked after, and you don’t have to tell the doctor anything if you don’t feel ready. Though it could help further down the line if you decide to pursue a legal case against your aggressor.

Figure Out Your Next Steps

Domestic violence is well known to seep into every aspect of your life. The reality is, you have been under the control of someone for however long the relationship lasted and now you are finding your feet again. It is natural to feel afraid of what to do or where to turn, but have courage. Keep moving forward, and don’t look back. Figuring out your next steps could look like what job you want to pursue or returning to an educational setting to finish your studies. The world is there for the taking, and you will grow the confidence to work through what it is you want to do with your life now that you are away from a harmful situation and on the track for healing.

Therapy is Recommended

Going through something traumatic like this always has consequences. Trauma response is a very real thing and should never be taken lightly. It is there to process, and you will need to do this at some point along the journey. Seeking out a therapist will help you talk about what has happened and decipher some of the more complex consequences of these events. It is a brave thing to do, and it will help you recover everything that you have lost.

Secure some Legal Advice

Though it may feel daunting, depending on which stage of the process you are facing, legal advice is an incredibly useful option to explore. This process is about bringing the offender to the right place at the right time and holding them accountable for their crimes. Domestic abuse is against the law, as it should be, and you are a victim of this as a result of that fact. Regardless of how you feel right now, whether that is scared or empowered, an attorney can help you get the retribution that you absolutely deserve. It will not only help you to move forward but can even secure some financial compensation too so that you have the means to begin again.

Here at Payam Law we understand that these situations are always sensitive. The value of having an experienced attorney is invaluable and they will work to protect you while building a case against the perpetrator. There are always ways forward, and reaching out is a vital first step that takes an immense amount of courage.

Don’t hesitate to pop in to one of our offices listed below or give us a call on the listed numbers.