The frequency of crimes like domestic violence has made the local legal authorities in West Palm Beach tighten the “leash” so that the offenders cannot escape the law besides extending support to the victims who undergo a traumatic experience.

Here are some of the services that the Palm Beach County authorities offer to the victims of household brutality whenever they approach. The staff members will assist the distressed in arriving at the right decisions about their own safety. The services, confidential and free, include:

Round-the-clock crisis intervention

Helping with referrals to safer shelters

Assessment of the lethality involved

Legal support (in terms of advocates and court)

Referrals on legal help

Strategic planning to ensure safety

Information on criminal justice system

Guidance on filing protective order

On-the-scene crisis response with law enforcement

Individual and group therapy

Help in getting emergency help regarding food, housing, and medical attention

Information on programs related to batterers

Comprehensive management of the case

Attorneys in service:
The domestic violence attorney who caters to a victim accompanies him/her to the court during hearings; informs and educates the victim about his/her legal rights; refers the victim to counseling and also helps him/her finding a shelter and make up a safety plan.

Household brutality units help:
Domestic violence units help the police investigate the case of violence; prosecute the crime and hold the offender responsible for the act and act in tandem with various social services and state agencies to help the victims.

Legal Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence

There are various ways by which the victims of household brutality can get protection. It is very important for the victim to know his/her legal rights and the initial steps to take towards ending the traumatic experience that he/she has gone through.

Laws for household brutality protect the victim if he/she has been sexually abused or threatened by his/her spouse, ex-spouse or any other family member or in case he/she fears to face such abuse. Law also protects them from facing abuse from a person with who they had a common kid. A victim needs not to have been married to the abuser.

What Steps Can a Domestic Violence Victim Take?

Before anything, call 911 to report the abuse.

Move the court and file a petition requesting an injunction or restraining order as a protection against the household brutality. Under the injunction, the offender can be asked to leave the victim’s residence and not enter it besides the latter’s business, office or school premises, give the custody of the minor children to the victim, do for the victim what he/she is legally obliged to do. The abuser may be put behind the bars if he/she refuses to follow the injunctions.

A section law in Florida helps the victim to get a judgment asking abuser to stay away from him/her. Even in the event that the victim cannot pay the court fees, he/she can seek help.

A household brutality victim can refuse to divulge details of any confidential communication that took place during the victim’s counseling.

A victim can always contact household brutality centers to seek assistance if he/she is upset and require a shelter. Florida’s department of children and families have designated such centers to cater to the victims’ needs.

For more information, contact a domestic violence lawyer today.