When people hear the term domestic violence, they often picture visible bruises, physical confrontations or trips to the emergency room. However, abuse can take many forms, and physical violence is only one of them. In many cases, harmful patterns of control and...
Domestic Violence
Barriers to leaving your abuser
Many people don’t understand that it’s not so simple for an abused spouse or partner to “just leave” their abuser. While it might be imperative that they do so to prevent further abuse (or worse), there can be many obstacles in the path out the door. Below is some...
How to recognize domestic violence
Domestic violence is characterized by psychological and emotional manipulation, which can make victims feel scared and confused. A cluster of symptoms typically indicates a person's vulnerability to domestic violence. This is because the problem is multifaceted and...
What happens when you get a restraining order?
A restraining order is a legal document issued by a court to protect an individual from harm or harassment after they have expressed fear for their safety due to someone’s actions. If you have been served with a restraining order, it helps to understand what it means...
Tips for leaving an abusive marriage
Leaving an abusive marriage is a courageous but complex process that requires careful planning and support. Individuals in such situations must prioritize their safety and well-being as they navigate independence. Because safety is a priority, these tips are only...
Is verbal abuse a type of domestic violence in California?
California recognizes verbal abuse as a type of domestic violence. Verbal abuse involves using one's words as a weapon, whether that's in the form of name-calling or giving the silent treatment. There are a lot of ways that someone can verbally abuse you. Examples of...
Supporting parents wrongly accused of child abuse
Being falsely accused of child abuse is a distressing and life-altering experience for any California parent. The repercussions can be devastating, affecting not only the parent's emotional well-being but also their relationship with their child, their employment and...
Child custody decisions and domestic violence
California family court judges must promote the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. These best interests normally include maintaining a child's relationship with both parents. This process becomes more complicated when domestic violence...
The seriousness of domestic violence
To many people, domestic violence refers to spousal abuse, but the term can also refer to the abuse of elders, children and other household members. Case studies of domestic abusers reveal the many different ways violence manifests. Persons accused of domestic...
Emotional abuse and its signs
Whether you're in a relationship with a significant other in California or you're struggling with family members and friends, one type of abuse that can sometimes be difficult to understand is emotional. This type of abuse might or might not involve physical actions...