Domestic Violence and the Need for Restraining Orders in Connecticut

Domestic violence is an unpleasant experience for victims and something the law in Connecticut and many parts of the United States frowns upon. Sadly, more victims seem unwilling to come forward, making it more common than most think.

A major reason many victims of domestic violence are often unwilling to speak is their fear of the abuser.

Moreover, there are instances when the abuser is someone they love, and the victim fears that reporting the violence could endanger that person.

While this may be a valid reason for some, it threatens the victim’s safety. Speaking out against domestic violence protects you and your loved ones.

“When an incident of domestic violence is reported, the law immediately goes after the alleged perpetrator,” explains Attorney Mark Sherman of The Law Offices of Mark Sherman, LLC.

The law allows you to obtain a restraining order against your abuser, thereby keeping them away from you and protecting you.

Domestic Violence and the Need for Restraining Orders.

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How Does the Law Address the Issue of Domestic Violence?
Conclusion

How Does the Law Address the Issue of Domestic Violence?

The law aims to ensure that the abuser faces the consequences of their actions and is unable to reach their victim and cause them more harm. Some of the methods of dealing with the perpetrators include:

Issuing a Restraining Order

A restraining order is one of the most potent ways of keeping an abuser away from the victim. Typically, the victim requests this order, detailing the specifics of the domestic violence.

The court reviews such a request and can grant a restraining order, which the victim must comply with. Failure to comply with it exposes the abuser to severe consequences.

Bringing of Criminal Charges

Where the court is faced with a severe case of domestic violence or violation of a restraining order, it can allow for criminal charges to be brought against the abuser.

The court always treats each case on its merits by reviewing the facts. Fines, probation, and possible incarceration are some of the outcomes of these criminal charges.

In addition, there are instances where cases of sexual abuse come up at trial. In such cases, the court has the authority to deem the abuser guilty of sexual abuse and trigger a conviction.

Losing Custody Rights

It is a misconception that domestic violence only occurs between strangers or friends; in reality, it can happen in many different relationships and contexts.

There have also been reported cases of domestic violence among lovers and married couples.

When the couple is married, the court, among other things, considers whether they have a child.

Where there is a minor dependent, a consequence can be that the abuser will lose child custody rights.

There is also the possibility of them losing visitation rights because the courts will always consider the child's interests and security paramount at all times.

Missing Out on Employment and Immigration Opportunities

Domestic violence consequences for abusers include preventing them from hurting victims. It can also have far-reaching consequences for abusers when they seek employment or travel abroad.

Usually, employers must run a background check on candidates before providing them with a job offer.

If you have been convicted of a crime relating to domestic violence or sexual abuse, it will reflect on your record and hinder you from getting jobs.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that for non-citizens, a criminal conviction can have significant and potentially devastating consequences for your immigration status, possibly leading to deportation.

As a citizen, a criminal conviction can also be revealed when visa officers conduct a background check to determine whether to grant you a travel document.

Conclusion

You must speak up because no one should be a victim of domestic violence. Connecticut has laws that guarantee your protection from your abuser.

It always starts with a restraining order, but does not stop there. If the abuse persists despite the restraining order, you can always bring criminal charges against the abuser.