Navigating the twists and turns of the legal system can be challenging for survivors of intimate partner violence, especially when concussion or other injuries have happened. In this video, you’ll get answers to common questions, definitions of legal terms, and valuable tips and tools.
Feel free to pause the video as needed to read the information and take notes.
CRIMINAL
00:00 Intro
03:54 The police were called to my home to investigate domestic violence. What's going to happen now?
04:28 What is my role in the criminal proceedings against the abuser?
04:47 Do I have a choice whether to serve as a witness?
06:05 Can I tell the prosecutor I want to drop the case?
07:05 I’m afraid of my abuser and afraid to testify. What can I do to stay safe during the court process?
08:03 Charges have never been filed against the abuser. When is it too late to do so?
09:02 Why might someone want to file a police report about past abuse?
10:07 Will the abuser know I filed a report?
11:20 Who can answer my questions about criminal proceedings and what to expect in court?
11:36 What can a Victim Advocate do for me?
12:53 What should I do if there is not a Victim Advocate?
13:36 Who does the prosecutor represent?
14:32 Why would a prosecutor dismiss some of the charges against the perpetrator?
16:45 If I call the police, will my partner get fired, or not be able to get future jobs or credit?
17:27 Is there a way to hold the abuser accountable without affecting their ability to pass a background check?
20:10 When I defended myself and it left marks on my partner, the police arrested me. If I have charges pending against me, how can I find an attorney to defend me?
20:50 If I have to represent myself in the criminal charges, what do I need to know?
22:56 My abuser is making many promises if I'll refuse to testify or not show up to court. How should I handle this?
25:18 How is strangulation different from other violent acts? What's important for me to report?
30:42 If I go to a doctor and receive additional information about the injuries I received that aren't documented in a police report, should I file an additional police report?
DIVORCE/CUSTODY
32:00 I’m thinking about separating. Are there certain things that I should do?
33:48 Why should I call the free legal services programs in my area as soon as possible?
35:17 I understand it’s expensive and difficult to change attorneys. How do I make the right decision about who should represent me?
40:37 What questions should I ask to find the best family law attorney with specific experience in domestic violence cases?
43:18 I have a history of mental health problems and/or substance use. How concerned should I be about that becoming part of the case and being used against me when it comes to custody of my kids?
49:07 I’ve been experiencing signs and symptoms of brain injury I suspect are from the abuse I experienced. I don’t want to get diagnosed because I fear it could be used against me in my custody case.
53:08 I know someone who was married to an abusive person and the abuser turned everything around and made it look like the abused parent was alienating the children from having a good relationship with the abuser. How do I protect myself against that?
55:38 How can I keep my children safe during visitation or other times with the abuser?
PROTECTIVE ORDERS
58:00 What is a protective order and how does it work?
1:01:30 What are the advantages to getting a protective order?
1:05:53 Will a protective order really keep me safe?
1:07:04 What do I do if my abuser gets a protective order against me?
1:08:12 If I get a background check and I have a protective order against me, will that show up?
1:08:22 How do I find out how to terminate a protective order in my area?
1:09:15 If I comply with the conditions of the protective order, can it be dismissed?
1:10:05 If there’s a protective order in place, am I still allowed to contact my abuser about things such as parenting time or payment of bills?
1:12:44 Why does a protective order provide my abuser with my address and vehicle information?
OTHER QUESTIONS
1:15:11 What do I need to know about how attorneys bill?
1:18:05 Who can I speak to confidentially?
1:18:43 What should I do if I'm not happy with my attorney?
1:22:22 Why are there multiple court hearings?
1:25:40 I'm worried about losing my job if I have to take time off to go to court. How likely is that?
1:28:05 Is there anything I can do to pursue reparations, or anything that could help financially with the cost of time off from work?
BRAIN INJURY
1:31:03 Brain injuries often make it hard to focus and concentrate. What can someone in this situation do?
1:34:18 There's so much information to keep track of. How can I stay on top of everything?
1:43:34 Are there evaluations that can document the nature and severity of injury?
1:47:07 What does my doctor need to know so I can get proper treatment?
1:50:47 What should I know about brain injury/PTSD as it relates to my case?
13 июл 2024
