People experiencing domestic violence may take some time to build the courage to leave. That is completely understandable. Abuse is one of the more common reasons that people initiate divorce proceedings, but it is also one of the hardest circumstances to navigate when it comes to ending a marriage.
Unfortunately, attempts to leave an abuser can result in the escalation of domestic violence and stalking behaviors. Taking appropriate steps can potentially protect people trying to leave a marriage due to domestic violence.
How can spouses concerned about their safety protect themselves?
1. Request a protective order
The courts can provide legal protection from threats, physical confrontations and stalking behavior by issuing a protective order. If the party subject to a protective order violates the order, contacting law enforcement leads to documentation of their behavior and possibly consequences for the violation.
2. Embrace digital security
Spouses may need to change passwords for everything from their financial accounts and emails to the door passkey on a vehicle that does not use a physical key. In some cases, investing in a digital security system, including door alarms and motion-activated lights or cameras, could help people protect themselves.
3. Document significant issues
Ideally, people preparing for divorce have already begun documenting domestic violence and its impact on themselves or their children long before they go to court. Records of injuries, copies of police reports, pictures of broken personal items and even images of threatening messages can all help convince the courts that an individual requires support. Those records can also potentially influence the outcome of child custody proceedings.
People leaving their abusers often struggle to assert themselves and may need assistance navigating the legal system, and that’s truly okay. Taking appropriate steps to protect oneself and minor children is of the utmost importance when filing for divorce due to domestic violence.