When most of us think of Pasadena divorces that involve domestic violence, we imagine women as the victims and men as the perpetrators. However, a significant number of men are seeking divorces because of violence perpetrated by their female partners.
Men face unique struggles when trying to leave a marriage marked by domestic violence because of the mistaken perception that women can’t perpetrate such crimes. Domestic violence situations involving a female aggressor usually rely heavily on verbal abuse and emotional manipulation, with the occasional physical outburst. Since most men were raised to believe that hitting a woman is unacceptable, the victims of these outbursts often do not attempt to defend themselves. However, men who do try to physically defend themselves risk being arrested and/or removed from their home due to a lack of understanding by law enforcement officials regarding male victims of domestic violence.
If you are a male victim of domestic violence, keeping detailed records of abuse is the best way to protect yourself. Report all incidents to local law enforcement and request a copy of the police report for your records. Keep photographs of your injuries and make sure the cause is noted in any medical records. Keep a journal describing the dates and times of abuse, as well as any witnesses who might be able to testify on your behalf.
When you’re ready to leave the relationship, you will want to hire a divorce attorney with experience in handling domestic violence cases. In addition to filing all of the standard divorce documents, your attorney can help you seek a restraining order or order of protection against your spouse. If you have minor children, your attorney can handle the paperwork necessary for you to seek temporary custody of the children while your divorce is pending.
How Can We Help?
Please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com if you are in need of legal representation during your divorce. Our Pasadena divorce law attorneys can help guide you through the process of ending your marriage and moving on to the next phase of your life.