Questions about Abuse in Relationships

An abusive relationship is often hard to detect. Many times signs of abuse go unnoticed till it is too late. Verbal and physical abuse seems to be increasing in nature even though the victims often stay quiet out of insecurity, fear or an ignorance of their legal rights. Whether you are in an abusive relationship or not, the legal recourse available to you in an abusive relationship can often lead to questions that can be awkward to consult a lawyer about and embarrassing to discuss with friends. Family Lawyers on JustAnswer have answered many questions regarding abuse in relationships. Below are the top five abusive relationship questions on JustAnswer.

Can being in an abusive relationship cause physiological problems?

Abusive relationships can often cause physiological problems if they aren't detected early and dealt with in a healthy, healing way. Emotional and verbal abuse is just as bad as physical abuse and many forms of physiological problems can arise. Signs of abusive relationships are often subtle and can go unnoticed. Counseling can sometimes go a long way in helping the abused get through the trauma caused by an abusive relationship.

What can someone do to help a friend that is a victim of mental abuse but will not leave the relationship?

You can contact your local victim services agency and they can help your friend by formulating a plan to get out of the abusive relationship. If you are not sure how to contact the local victim services agency, the local social services agency can usually give you that contact numbers. With the right help, victims of relationship abuse often leave the relationship. In this case however, there is not much you can do except direct them to trained abuse professionals and hope they get the help they need. Being a bystander watching family or friends deal with relationship abuse can be frightening. When abuse in a relationship escalates beyond salvage, the nature and extend of abuse, may lead to legal implications. The best solution is to consult experts. Family Lawyers on JustAnswer can give you their expert opinion in dealing with your specific situation.

If someone is planning on leaving an abusive relationship and we have C.D.'s in the bank can they get a restraining order to freeze the marital assets?

If the CDs are in both of your names you have as much legal right to them as your spouse. If the safety deposit box is in both of your names, the bank will usually give you an extra key. If it is in just one spouse’s name, then usually only that spouse can access the deposit box. In such a situation, a person can get a court order to prevent the other spouse from disposing or damaging the CDs — and any of the other assets of the marriage — until a property settlement has been reached in the divorce. The protective order should be a part of the initial court filing. You may also consider getting a protective order if you are in an abusive relationship to safeguard your interest. This will ensure that the abusive spouse is barred from the home or prevented from further contact till the court takes a final decision in the case.

How would a parent find a good psychiatrist for an adult child that has been a victim of physical and emotional abuse, suffering from a victim of Stockholm Syndrome?

Your first step would be to contact your Local National Alliance for Mental Health. You can find your local office by visiting their website, www.nami.org. They have a multitude of support services listed on their site that includes psychologist referrals as well as ongoing domestic violence support groups. Once you have found your local number, call and explain the situation in full detail. Many times people that have Stockholm Syndrome will not realize that they need help and will remain in the abusive relationship.

If someone is accused of domestic abuse, and has been served with a order of protection, will they try to get a plenary order at the next hearing and if so, is a court appearance needed

Orders of protection, including a plenary order of protection, can be given by the judge ex parte — that is, without the respondent being present. At the hearing for an order of protection, the judge will give you the opportunity to tell your side of the story. If you aren't present, you can't do this. The judge would therefore hear only your significant other's version of the facts, which very well may influence the extent and gravity of the order of protection issued. So, you may not gain anything by abstaining. Not attending the hearing could very well hurt your case.

Signs of abusive relationships are always there, if we are sensitive to them. It is important to watch and listen to the victims. Abuse in relationships does not just affect the relationship; it also can affect the whole family and even close friends of the family causing many different types of emotional abuse. Help is available for victims of an abusive relationship — medical, psychological and legal. Family Lawyers on JustAnswer can help answer your legal questions and give legal insight.