Reaching out for help when you’re in an abusive relationship shows a great deal of bravery. It’s normal to feel scared, lonely and even unsure whether you’re making the right decision in the first place. If you or someone you know needs legal help getting out of an unsafe relationship, the Tampa lawyers at LaFrance Family Law can help.
Contact LaFrance Family Law if you need help filing a restraining order against an abuser.
Reaching out for help when you’re in an abusive situation is scary. Your safety and the safety of others in your household are at risk. The experienced domestic violence attorneys at LaFrance Family law handle domestic abuse cases with care and confidentiality so you don’t need to worry for your safety.
What are the Signs of Spousal Abuse?
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence “is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” The thing is, we aren’t always able to tell when we are in an abusive relationship, because our perspective can be skewed through manipulation or gaslighting.
Physical abuse isn’t the only form of domestic abuse. Some additional domestic abuse warning signs include:
- Using coercion or threatening you
- Using your children against you
- Trying to intimidate you
- Emotional manipulation
- Denying and blaming
Tampa Lawyers for Child Abuse
Depending on the age of the child(ren), it can be extremely difficult to determine if they are experiencing physical or emotional abuse. Kids of a certain age don’t always know they should go to someone for help when they’re in danger inside their own home, especially if you have shared child custody with an ex. Home dynamics are confusing to small children, but you can let them know they can trust you by starting a discussion about their safety.
If you notice any of the following, it might be a sign your child is experiencing some form of child abuse:
- Lack of enjoyment from their favorite activities
- Unexplained depression or anxiety
- Withdrawal from friends
- Poor performance at school
- Loss of confidence
Talk to your children to determine if you need to reach out for additional support from a child abuse lawyer.
LaFrance Law Services
Contact the lawyers at LaFrance Law to schedule an appointment.