Evidence

may include: Testimony in court (from you or your witness) Medical reports of injuries from the abuse Police reports for when you or your witness called the police Pictures of your injuries, preferably dated Household objects damaged by the abuser Pictures of your household in disarray after an episode of domestic violence Weapons used Tapes of calls you or your witness may have made to 911...

Custody and Access Legal Terms

Sole custody: this means that one parent has the full legal responsibility for the children, including decision making. Most often the other parent will have access, possibility a lot of access, but the parent with sole custody can make all the decisions relating to the child, except decisions that would affect the other parent’s access, without consulting with the other parent. If the...

Legal Bullying Fact Sheet

One particular example of the ongoing abuse many women experience when they leave their partner is legal bullying, especially in family court. This abuse/bullying can take many forms. The abuser may: bring repeated motions on issues that have already been decided fail to produce documents or information required in the court proceeding seek repeated delays for no real reason repeatedly change...

Child Focused Issues

Child-focused issues related to different kinds of custody/access arrangements When no violence, shared decision making and shared parenting can work to benefit children in the following ways: children benefit from ongoing, regular relationship with both parents reduces potential for feelings of abandonment by one parent, for which children often blame themselves may help children adjust with...

Types of Abuse

  What types of woman abuse have been identified? Abuse tactics have been categorized in a variety of different ways. The impact will be different for every woman. You may not see any signs of abuse, but that doesns't mean the warning signs aren't present. The list below groups tactics and gives many examples. No list of examples can be exhaustive. Women who experience abuse may not separate...

Raising Awareness

If your group or organization is interested to join a campaign that promotes stopping violence against women, you can join the "White Ribbon Campaign": Men working to end men's violence against women. A white ribbon is the symbol used to promote this campaign which is worn to promote a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Wearing a...

Shelter Houses

A shelter is a safe place where you can get emergency housing and food for you and your children. A shelter also provides with counseling, support and referral. Most shelters have a 24 hour crisis telephone line. It's a good idea if you can call first so shelter staff can be ready for you or make alternate arrangements at a nearby facility. If you believe your personal safety is at risk, call...

Characteristics of Abused Persons

Although it is generally agreed that there is no specific ‘type’ of person who is more likely to be abused, there are general characteristics which people in an abusive situation tend to have in common. Low self esteem Emotional and economic dependency Continued faith and hope abuser will "grow up" Depression Stress disorders and/or psychosomatic complaints Accepts blame and guilt for...

Questionnaires

  Am I Being Abused? CHECKLIST (provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) Look over the following questions. Think about how you are being treated and how you treat your partner. Remember, when one person scares, hurts or continually puts down the other person, it's abuse. Does your partner… —Embarrass or make fun of you in front of your friends or family? —Put down...