Are You Facing Domestic Violence in Your Marriage but You Are Afraid to Talk? Find Out Why You Should Disclose Now and What Can Be Done to Protect You
For many individuals who are married in Chicago, domestic violence is something they never expect to face in their relationship. Yet, the frightening truth of the matter is that it can happen in any household, regardless of income, education, or background. In Chicago, victims of domestic violence in their marriages often stay silent out of fear, shame, or uncertainty about what will happen if they speak up about the abuse. However, if you are one of these individuals and you are afraid to talk about the abuse you are facing, know that you are not alone and that help is available. Telling someone and seeking legal protection can be the first step toward safety and a better future. Here we explain why you should disclose domestic violence now, and where to turn for legal help and protection.
#1. Your Safety Comes First
The first reason to disclose the abuse now is that your health, well-being, and safety depends on it. The reality is that abuse in marriage rarely stops on its own. In fact, on the contrary, domestic abuse usually becomes more frequent or more severe over time. Fortunately, however, Illinois law provides strong protections for victims of domestic violence through the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. This law allows a judge to issue an emergency order of protection to keep your abuser away from you. An emergency order of protection can remove the abuser from the home, restrict contact, and give you temporary custody of children. As such, the sooner you disclose the abuse to law enforcement or an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer, the sooner those important, perhaps even life-saving protections can be put in place.
#2. Alerting the Court and Strengthening Your Chicago Divorce Case
The second reason to speak up now and to not delay is that disclosure of the abuse may strengthen your position in any divorce or custody case and to make the court aware of the abuse. If you are planning to file for divorce, or your spouse has already filed, the court needs to know about any pattern of violence or threats. Chicago judges typically take domestic violence very seriously when making decisions about parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and financial arrangements. By disclosing the abuse early, your lawyer can present evidence, request protective measures, and make sure the court understands the risks you face. Staying silent may leave the court unaware of danger that could affect you or your children.
#3. Confidentiality and Support When Facing Domestic Violence in Chicago
The third reason to talk about abuse with an experienced Chicago divorce lawyer is that you do not have to face domestic violence alone. When you speak with your experienced Chicago divorce lawyer, your conversation is confidential. Taking that first step by disclosing the abuse gives your Chicago divorce lawyer the opportunity to help you build a plan for safety and stability.
If you are living in fear or suffering in silence, the time is now to get help. Do not delay in reaching out to the experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help individuals in Chicago with their complex divorce issues, including domestic violence and abuse. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
kendallcountyil.gov/offices/state-s-attorney/victim-services/illinois-domestic-violence-act#:~:text=The%20Illinois%20Domestic%20Violence%20Act,types%20of%20assistance%20to%20victims.
