BROOKLYN, New York. If you’re getting divorced in Brooklyn, it is important to consider how you’ll file for divorce. For example, if there was domestic violence in your marriage, you may want to consider using the integrated domestic violence court systems. The Elliot Green Law Offices are integrated domestic violence lawyers in Brooklyn, New York who can help you navigate the system. However, one of the issues divorcing individuals might face is that sometimes even victims aren’t always clear on what defines domestic violence. As you consider filing for divorce, it is important to take the time to consider the definition of consent.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, consent is defined as ongoing affirmation that both parties want to mutually take part in a sexual encounter. Individuals can be raped within the confines of marriage and being married doesn’t automatically give your partner a “free pass” to have sex with you whenever he or she wants. Consent isn’t automatically given based on relationship status, or just because a person has given consent in the past. Individuals and couples should look for consent with each new sexual encounter. Additionally, if you feel like you are being manipulated or pressured to do something you don’t want to do, this is also not consent. You don’t owe your partner anything. You have the right to say no.
Role play is also subject to rules of consent. As the New York Times recently reported, there is a very clear difference between B.D.S.M. and abuse. When it comes to partners who role play, careful communication, safe words, and even the use of checklists are important to ensure that both parties are very clear on what is and isn’t acceptable. Individuals who role play frequently set clear boundaries and talk to one another about what will happen before anything takes place. This is very different from a partner hitting you when you do not want to be hit or a partner tying another person up against his or her will. If you feel that you have been abused in your relationship, it is important to seek help. Finally, just because you consented to role play on one occasion, doesn’t mean you have consented to abuse or to role playing on other occasions. If you say no, your wishes should be honored.
Finally, under the law, there are certain actions that cannot be consented to no matter what. Serious bodily injury, cutting, or burning can be prosecuted in a court of law.
If you believe you have been abused, seek help. If you are in an abusive relationship or marriage, you have rights. The Elliot Green Law Offices are divorce lawyers in Brooklyn, New York who can help you navigate the complexities of the law. If you’ve been married to an abusive partner, your first priority will be to protect your children and your finances. The integrated domestic violence courts allow you to pursue divorce, child custody matters, and domestic violence protection orders in one place.
Elliot Green Law Offices
32 Court Street, Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-260-8668
Phone: 718-689-0282
