The shelter in place orders in effect as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused unwanted increases in Domestic Violence and Child Sex abuse. For familys living with domestic violence and sexual abuse, staying at home and being isolated with an abuser is often placing them at a greater risk of harm and abuse.
Statistics show a spike in the number of domestic violence cases as people are required to spend significant periods of time at home and are unable to attend school, go to work or participate in their normal routines. Local law enforcement authorities are concerned that these numbers will continue to rise as a vulnerable population is forced to stay at home and in isolation.
There has even been a significant rise in domestic violence and abuse in households that have no history of violence or abuse due to increased stresses in the household. These include a dramatic loss of employment, serious financial difficulties, and the daily barrages of death and sickness on every news outlet.
Family stressors have never been higher in our lifetime. People tend to lash out when confined to small spaces and being forced to work at home with small children present. Gyms are closed and normal routines are gone. There is less opportunity for an victim and an abuser to separate and cool down. The absence of normal work and school routines coupled with the loss of normal activities has created an explosive environment.
There has also been a significant rise in instances of mental, financial and psychological abuse during this pandemic. These patterns of abuse and control are equally dangerous and destructive.
The COVID -19 Pandemic is also increasing instances where the abuser uses this crisis to assert control or their victim. Abusers are denying parenting time, refusing to follow established parenting plans, refusing medical treatment, and attempting to use social distancing and travel restrictions to their advantage.
We can help protect you and your family from domestic violence and abuse. Call the Law offices of Paul F. Sherman at (503) 223-8441, or Contact Us for a free consultation.
THE COURTS ARE STILL OPEN TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEX ABUSE
While the Courts have been placed on significant restrictions and reduced hours during this outbreak, it is important to know that the Courts are still available to protect you and your loved ones from domestic violence and abuse and sexual assault. The Courts are open to protect children in ‘Immediate Danger”.
Protection Orders are available to protect you and your family. Protections Orders are commonly used in situations where it is necessary to obtain:
• An Emergency Custody Order to protect a child who is in immediate danger;
• Status Quo order to maintain contact with your children, maintain their routines, and prevent others from hiding or secreting your children, or removing your children from the state;
• Restraining and Stalking orders to stop unwanted contact;
• Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) orders to stop domestic violence.
• Elder abuse orders to protect the elderly or disabled;
• Sexual Abuse protective orders
Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking have additional rights including terminating leases, removing the abuser from your home and criminal penalties for violating an order.
CONTACT PAUL F. SHERMAN FOR EXPERT ADVICE ON OBTAINING A PROTECTIVE ORDER – ACT NOW TO PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES.
We have substantial experience in obtaining protective orders for you and your family. We are determined to provide the help you and your family to stop the cycle of abuse. We are here to listen to the victims domestic violence and sexual abuse. We are here to fight for justice.
We know you have questions, and we have answers. If you would like to know more about the use of protective orders, restraining orders, or obtaining emergency custody of your children, call the Law Offices of Paul F. Sherman at (503) 2230-8441 or Contact Us for a free consultation. Put justice on your side.