In addition to the immediate physical and emotional harm inflicted on the victim, domestic violence causes trauma and psychological damage to all involved. Abuse in the home can have a long-lasting impact on the whole family.
Charles R. Ullman & Associates is a leading family law firm in Raleigh dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. Our firm has counseled women and men through difficult family matters for more than 25 years. You can rest assured that we have the experience and resources to handle your case, as well as a compassionate staff to support you during these trying times.
Our caring and committed attorneys can help you leave a violent situation. Contact us today to get the help you need.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence in North Carolina Family Law?
North Carolina law defines domestic violence as committing one of the following acts against someone the abuser has a personal relationship with:
- Trying to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury
- Putting the victim or the victim’s family member in a state of fear with the threat of injury or continued harassment
- Committing any act defined by law as rape or a sexual offense
Domestic violence isn’t only between romantic partners. Family law says it may involve any of the following:
- Current or former spouses
- Parents or guardians and their children
- Grandparents and their grandchildren
- People living together
- People who are dating or have dated
- People who have a child together
What Are the Different Types of Domestic Abuse?
Domestic violence may take the form of:
- Physical abuse – Any type of physical violence, such as hitting, shoving, hair pulling, denying medical care, or forcing alcohol or drug use, can all be considered abuse.
- Emotional abuse – This may involve making cruel comments, belittling, constantly criticizing, isolating, or name-calling to lower the victim’s self-worth or control them.
- Sexual abuse – Committing any sexual acts without the victim’s consent or coercing the victim into sexual contact are forms of abuse.
- Financial abuse – An abuser may control or manipulate someone’s finances to give them power over the victim.
These types of abuse in the home or a relationship can create fear and allow the abuser to manipulate the victims. Children who witness violence can be significantly affected, even if they aren’t facing the abuse themselves. If you are experiencing any type of abuse, you should try to get help as soon as you can safely – whether that be by reporting it to law enforcement, telling a trusted friend or family member, or contacting a lawyer who can take legal action to protect you.
How Domestic Violence Impacts Child Custody and Visitation Rights
Domestic violence in a marriage will have a direct and substantial impact on child custody and visitation requirements that become part of a divorce. If you are facing a custody battle as part of a divorce in North Carolina, all decisions that the family law court will make are intended to serve the child’s best interests.
A domestic violence conviction or evidence of violence would weigh heavily against the violent parent in a custody dispute. However, the court will not automatically take away the abuser’s custody rights.
The court will decide what custody or visitation arrangement will be best for the child’s welfare. North Carolina child custody laws say that they will consider any acts of domestic violence and the child’s safety when making a decision.
In cases involving domestic violence, the court will make orders that protect the child and the victims. These protections may vary from case to case but may include:
- Supervised contact – If an abusive parent is allowed visitation with their children, the court will likely require all contact with the children to be supervised. The judge may choose a social worker, another professional, or a specific relative to supervise visits. They may also require all visits to occur in a public place.
- No alcohol or drug use – Restrictions on parental visitation may also include orders for the affected parent not to consume alcohol or drugs and to submit to alcohol or drug testing.
A parent seeking a divorce due to domestic violence will need a family law attorney to ensure their rights are upheld. Victims need to be sure the court is aware of the history of violence and its extent so that the parents and children are provided proper protection.
Long-Term Impacts of Domestic Violence on Families
The U.S. Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women says domestic violence doesn’t only affect those who are abused. It also has a substantial impact on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and even the community.
Frequent exposure to violence in the home may lead to social and physical problems in children. It also desensitizes them to violence and normalizes it, increasing the risk of them becoming victims or abusers themselves. Studies say children who are exposed to abuse may have:
- Elevated stress levels that harm cognitive function and brain development
- Behavioral problems, such as irritability, trouble sleeping, language development issues, and emotional distress
- A higher risk of drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal thoughts, and criminal behavior
- A higher chance of experiencing physical or sexual assault
Legal intervention can stop the cycle of abuse and create a path toward healing and stability for families. The Raleigh domestic violence attorneys at Charles R. Ullman & Associates have experience helping victims of domestic abuse and intimate partner abuse. We can explain your legal rights and the steps available to you, including seeking a protective order to keep you and your family safe.
We can offer you direct counsel, assistance, and access to a variety of helpful North Carolina domestic violence resources, including how to put a safety plan in place. Our understanding attorneys have helped numerous Raleigh and Wake County residents leave violent situations. Let us help you.
Contact a Raleigh Domestic Violence and Divorce Attorney
If you are dealing with domestic violence or threats from a spouse or anyone else you have an intimate relationship with, you need to know that help is available and the law protects you. The compassionate divorce and domestic violence attorneys at Charles R. Ullman & Associates are here to help you. Our lawyers and legal staff serve clients throughout Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas in Wake County.
Please contact us online or call us at (919) 829-1006 to schedule a consultation.
