Houston Family Law Firms Protect Victims Of Domestic Violence
May 3, 2011 # 3:07 am # Divorce & Family Law # No CommentHouston Family Law Firms Protect Victims Of Domestic Violence
Article by Leena Marcos
The legal concept of abuse in the home has been expanded beyond physical harm to include the emotional ramifications of verbal, mental, sexual and economic abuse. Texas law in Houston also includes the abuse that takes place within a dating relationship. Domestic violence is a both a personal legal matter. Seeking out a Houston law firm with a specialization in Family Law in Houston can be a significant step toward creating an abuse free life.
Specialists in Family Law are trained to protect and assist the victims of violence. In the Houston area they are familiar with the Texas code regarding Houston violence and the code for family violence. In separating ,there are also the considerations of spousal support and custody for any minor children. If the decision to divorce is made Family Law lawyers in Houston can work through that process as well.
Houston family lawyers are charged with providing victims of violence with the information they need about the legal Texas definition of domestic assault, prosecution of abusers and Houston area agencies that provide support for victims and their families. Supportive services include counseling for parent and children, employment, assistance with job training, support groups and childcare. There are women’s shelters in the Houston area that also offers 24-hour crisis counseling, plus emergency and transitional housing.
Violence centers on behavior by one family member toward another family member that is physically or emotionally harmful. The need for control is at the center of abusive actions and the consequences for the victims can be devastating. Statistics show that children of abuse often grow up to be abusers themselves. Living a life in fear can lead to physical ailments and psychological scars that are capable of lasting a lifetime. The single most important step a victim of violence can take is to physically remove themselves and their children from the abusive spouse or partner.
Domestic violence evidences itself in many forms. The more violent life threatening physical or sexual abuse may require legal intervention by law enforcement and Family Law Attorneys. The more silent, systemic forms involve emotional, mental, verbal and economic abuse. Intervention in these circumstances may come from family, friends, ministers, social workers, psychological professionals or Family Law Attorneys. Texas law mandates that everyone is responsible for reporting even a suspicion of violence, child abuse and neglect. To not do so is punishable by law.
Protecting the victims of domestic violence is the business of Houston family law lawyers.In more severe cases a restraining order or order of protection may be needed to secure the safety of the abused and their family. Whether it is moving to another location or having the abuser removed from the home, separation is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse. Working with Houston experts in family law ensures that the domestic violence laws of the state and the county are optimized to the benefit of the victim and their family.
About the Author
The Waldrop Law Firm is a full service family law firm in Houston with extensive experience in Harris County Family Courts. W. Matthew Waldrop has been named Top Texas Attorney by Houston-based H Texas magazine. Information and consultations may be obtained by contacting waldroplawfirm.com.
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