First recognized in 1989, October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a period dedicated to honoring survivors and advancing awareness of domestic violence. The awareness month seeks to educate the public about the signs of domestic violence, ways to prevent it when possible, and resources available for perpetrators seeking help.

There is hope if you are currently a perpetrator or a domestic violence victim! Various local, state, and federal resources and the United States legal system have policies and procedures in place to offer protective measures to your family. Contact Lento Law Firm's Family Law Team today for a confidential consultation by calling 888-535-3686 or by using our online contact form.

What Is Domestic Violence and Who Does It Affect

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines domestic violence as “the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control” used by one partner against another.

Although any and every instance of domestic violence is one too many, recent statistics noted by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network suggest that while there has been a substantial decline in instances of domestic violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been abused by their partners. The Network further explains that this equates to an average of 20 victims per minute daily.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone in any part of the world. Regardless of income, status, or age, domestic violence is pervasive across all communities and impacts individuals irrespective of age, background, or identity. Though some instances of domestic violence are often isolated, it is often paired with emotional abuse and rooted in a system of control of dominance that the perpetrator may use to exert ongoing authority over their victim(s).

The Generational Cycle of Abuse

For many victims of domestic violence, the roots may run deep in their family's history, extending back multiple generations. Within this cycle, violence frequently repeats itself, creating a generational pattern of trauma and a hesitancy to recognize, challenge, and break the cycle. As summarized by the Office on Women's Health, children who witness or are victims of domestic violence are much more likely to be future perpetrators or victims of domestic violence than adults. This shows the effects that childhood trauma can have on us both in failing to recognize warning signs of violence and control our anger as adults.

Guidance From a Family Law Attorney

As briefly discussed above, domestic violence is a profoundly complex and multifaceted issue, demanding not only empathy and understanding but a realistic and concrete path forward. Our skilled Family Law Team can help you carve a path forward as a victim or perpetrator and discuss tangible, concrete steps to minimize the ramifications of the violence that has already started tearing your family apart.

For victims of domestic violence, we can help you apply for a restraining order that will apply an immediate layer of safety. If you have children, we can help you draft custody arrangements and visitation schedules, prioritizing their safety. For perpetrators, we acknowledge that everyone deserves a fair defense and can help you build a future life representing the change you are committed to making. Past mistakes do not have to mean you can never see your family and have a relationship with your children.

Our experience, combined with our holistic and compassionate approach, prioritizes your family and well-being. Beyond legal services, we can help you on your path to safety and change. Contact our Family Law Team today by calling 888-535-3686 or by using our online contact form.