Domestic violence includes any abuse of a family member, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, economic abuse and psychological abuse. If you or your children have been abused by a spouse or parent, you understand the long-lasting negative effects of such treatment. Because domestic violence is such a widespread problem and because it can take years to begin recovering from assault, Congress first enacted the Violence Against Women Act in 1994.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a U.S. federal law intended to protect women from domestic violence by increasing the investigation of violent crimes against women and creating more severe penalties for those convicted of such crimes. This body of law increased the pre-trial detention of the accused, so that the spouse and children of the abuser could be protected pending trial. Additionally, the act mandated automatic and mandatory restitution be paid to domestic abuse victims, if an abuser is convicted. Finally, if the government decides not to pursue a domestic violence case and prosecute it criminally, there are civil actions that an abused spouse can take against an abuser to protect herself from further abuse.
If you are a woman who has suffered from domestic violence,
you should seek a Houston family lawyer who has a deep understanding
of the Violence Against Women Act. At John K. Grubb & Associates,
P.C., our Houston divorce attorneys understand the laws surrounding
domestic violence and we are experienced at protecting domestic
violence victims. We understand the pain you are going through
and we want to do everything we can to help protect you and
your children. Please contact a Houston
family attorney at our firm today to discuss your case,
so that you can begin protecting yourself and your family.
