Bowie, MD Domestic Violence Protection Attorneys

Steadfast Family Law Attorneys Helping Protect You and Your Children from Harm in Bowie

Millions of people suffer from domestic violence every year in the U.S. After the physical injuries heal, the psychological and emotional wounds can linger, making your life miserable. Regardless of what your abuser tells you, this violence is not your fault. He or she is solely responsible for his or her actions; you do not have to accept this behavior.

Escaping from an abuser is often too overwhelming without assistance and support. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett abhors domestic violence, and we will do all we can to keep you and your children safe. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. We can assist with a safe place to stay and take legal action to hold your abuser accountable. Do not wait until it is too late. Call us now to explain your situation and get the legal help you need.

Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms

To many, domestic violence consists of physical abuse. While that is true in some cases, many other kinds of domestic violence affect victims daily, and none of them are acceptable:

• Controlling: Your abuser may control your access to family and friends, your activities, your wardrobe choices, your employment opportunities, and your time.
• Financial: You may be forced to purchase items for your abuser or pay their bills. He or she could also steal money and other assets from you or maintain complete control over your family's finances, preventing you from accessing resources on your own.
• Physical: Physical violence includes hitting, slapping, punching, pushing, choking, shoving, and other forms of physical assault. It can also include unwanted or forced sexual contact.
• Threatening: Abusers can take an aggressive stance intended to intimidate you into submission, act as if they are about to assault you, or throw things toward you.
• Verbal: Words can be incredibly powerful. Verbal abuse includes threats, degrading comments, yelling, and deliberately humiliating you in public.

In some instances, your children may be the victims while your abuser leaves you alone. As a parent, you have the right and obligation to protect your children from harm, even from their other parent or another immediate family member.

Warning Signs That Could Accompany Domestic Violence

Every family dynamic is unique, with the interplay between an abuser and their victim varying widely. However, you should be aware of several common red flags that may indicate violence is likely, such as:

• Eroding your self-esteem and confidence intentionally
• Extreme jealously
• Following you when you are not with them, including tracking you via GPS
• Requiring verification that you are where you say you are by contacting your family or friends
• Preventing you from visiting family members or inviting them to your home
• Manipulating you into agreeing with them
• Damaging your property
• Harming or threatening your children or pets
• Preventing you from going anywhere without them

Threatening these and similar actions carries almost the same weight as actually committing them. Neither you nor your children deserve this kind of treatment, and you should not be expected to accept it.

At the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we understand you could be suffering from battered spouse syndrome, PTSD, extreme anxiety, and fear. However, you need to take action to keep your children and yourself safe. We will support you at every step.

How We Can Assist With Domestic Violence Concerns

Protecting you may require legal action and practical steps to reduce the threat and help you avoid harm in the future. Legal actions could include filing motions for:

• Protective orders
• Child custody and visitation
• Wage garnishment
• Emergency family maintenance
• Removal of guns
• Protective order extensions

We will thoroughly explain your options and what they entail, and we will help you decide what to do.

If you believe you or your children are in immediate danger, practical steps may need to be taken. Depending on your situation and level of danger, we can help you:

• Go into hiding
• Get into a safe haven, such as the House of Ruth
• Sweep your car for GPS trackers
• Register at a hotel

Immediate danger requires immediate action. Do not wait to seek help.

Call Our Bowie, Maryland Domestic Violence Protection Attorneys

You cannot afford to delay taking action if you or your children are victims of domestic violence. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett helps victims throughout Maryland, and we can provide the support and guidance you need to end the vicious cycle. Contact us online or by calling 301-262-5500 for assistance. You will not be charged for your consultation.