Domestic Violence Lawyer,
San Francisco, CA
According to national statistics, twenty people are physically abused by their intimate partner every 60 seconds in the United States. Many of those victims live right here in California. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, a Domestic Violence Lawyer, San Francisco, CA victims trust can help.
The Numbers
While domestic violence has decreased in the past decade, it is still one of the most common violent crimes that take place and is easily one of the least reported. While half of all domestic violence cases are reported to the police, only one in five women who are physically injured by domestic violence seeks medical treatment for their injuries, according to the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In the vast majority of cases (85 percent), women are the victims of domestic violence. Men are victims 10 percent of the time, and in those cases are most likely victims of another man’s brutality.
Recovery Process
There are many well-established support groups and programs in the San Francisco area that help victims recover and make themselves whole after living with domestic violence. There are shelters for battered women and children to escape the abuse immediately and hotlines to offer support today. While the first steps are to report the abuse to the police, contact a Domestic Assault Lawyer, San Francisco, CA clients recommend and get away from the abuse, the end-goal process of healing takes more time and self-care. For that, there are a variety of options to choose from, including therapy, group therapy, and counseling from a licensed psychologist.
Over Half of Domestic Violence Victims Do Not Report the Abuse
To understand the reasons why each victim decides not to come forward about their attacker’s violence, one must understand the relationship of power and fear of intimate partner abuse, which can be very difficult to do without first-hand experience of domestic violence. However, the most common reasons that domestic violence goes unreported, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, are as follows. The victim does not leave the abusive relationship, among other reasons, because:
The victim fears that the abuser’s violence will only escalate.
The abuser threatened to kill himself, the victim or the victim’s friends, pets, children.
The victim still loves the abuser and believes that they will discontinue the abuse.
The victim believes abuse is normal.
The victim financially depends on the abuser.
The abuser threatened to abduct the victim’s children if she/he leaves.
Cultural or religious beliefs intervene from leaving or reporting.
The victim is embarrassed.
The victim has no place to go if they report the abuse.
The victim fears retaliation from the abuser’s friends or family members.
Are You a Victim?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you do not have to go through this alone. There are multiple resources available that can help protect you and keep you and your children safe from your abuser. The first step is to contact The Hallinan Law Firm and speak with a compassionate Domestic Violence Lawyer in San Francisco, CA. Call our office today.