Mayor Bill de Blasio, first lady Chirlane McCray, and commissioner of the New York Police Department James P. O’Neill are hard at work drawing up a comprehensive strategy to combat the city’s recent rise in domestic violence homicides.
The panel has been tasked with finding ways for social workers to intervene in family disputes before the violence occurs, and to ensure that abusers are brought to justice in court, reports the New York Times.
Research from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows that the number of homicides in New York dropped 6.5 percent between 2012 and 2013; however, domestic violence homicides increased by 16 percent.
Domestic violence is a serious problem, and no matter how much you love your partner, your safety and the safety of your children are the top priorities. If you were a victim of domestic violence and you wish to divorce your spouse, contact the Elliot Green Law Offices.
A Staten Island divorce attorney will help you end your marriage safely. Call 718-260-8668 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about divorce laws in New York.
4 Steps to Take When Divorcing an Abusive Partner
Domestic violence takes many forms. In New York, intimate partner abuse is defined as intimidation or assault as part of a systematic pattern of control. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional abuse.
Divorcing an abusive spouse might take time, and the process can be emotionally challenging, but your family’s safety should be your primary concern. Let’s take a look at four steps to take when divorcing an abusive partner:
- Plan Carefully
Sometimes it is impossible to predict when an abusive spouse will become violent – which means there might never be a “good time” to leave. As such, you should escape the abusive relationship as soon as possible.
When you take action, it is important that you plan carefully. Make a list of people you trust, record their phone numbers, carry plenty of cash in case of an emergency, and be ready to flee at a moment’s notice.
- Protect Yourself
Contact a divorce attorney to discuss getting an order of protection. If granted, an order of protection can force your spouse to:
- Leave your home;
- Stay away from you and your children; and
- Not own a gun.
- Stay Safe
Move in with a trusted friend or family member that is a safe distance from your abuser. Change your phone number, and if you have to meet your partner, do so in a public place.
- Find an Integrated Domestic Violence Lawyer
Enlist the support of a divorce attorney who has helped domestic violence victims. Elliot Green is an integrated domestic violence lawyer in Staten Island who will guide you through the process of ending your marriage. Call 718-260-8668 today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
