Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects millions each year in the home as well as the workplace. It can cause victims to miss work or arrive late due to injuries, court appearances, or other obligations related to the abuse. Victims may be distracted or unable to focus on their work due to stress, anxiety, or fear. The abused may experience harassment or threats from their abusers at work. In some cases, domestic violence can even lead to workplace violence.

It is important to reach out for help if you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence. There are many resources available to victims of domestic violence, including domestic violence shelters, hotlines, and counseling services. You can also contact a family law attorney to discuss your legal options.

How Does Domestic Violence Affect Victims At Work?

Domestic violence is a serious problem that has a devastating impact on families, workers, and economies alike. It can lead to physical and mental health problems, economic dependence, and job loss. The National Network to End Domestic Violence claims that more than one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

Like any form of mistreatment, emotional abuse is devastating. As with physical abuse, this behavior should be taken seriously by those who encounter it and a victim of abuse should seek help when necessary.

If you are going through a divorce, you might be wondering how your emotionally abusive partner will affect your case. The answer to this question is not simple. But, this is not a reason for despair. An Illinois family lawyer can assist you. Here at Fawell & Fawell, we are here to help you navigate your journey and will do the best we can to help.

What is Considered Emotional Abuse? 

It is important to define what exactly constitutes emotional abuse. In general, when people speak of an emotionally abusive spouse, they are describing a person who is attempting to control them in many areas of life. Here are a few examples:

Domestic violence is a very serious crime but can be especially hurtful when it comes from a partner. Often, the abused partners turn to divorce to secure their safety or the well-being of their children. No matter what, the safety of you and your children comes first. 

If you are in immediate danger, seek the aid of law enforcement or a domestic violence shelter. Once you are in a safe location, you can start with the divorce process. There are several measures you can take to protect yourself. Having the professional guidance of a divorce attorney is always ideal and can help you reduce all risks and concerns involved.

Can I File a Restraining Order Against My Partner?

The laws of Illinois protect domestic violence survivors. You can always file an Order of Protection while filing for divorce. The protection order limits your partner's contact with you and your children. The order also allows you to maintain everyone’s safety and privacy. Once you relocate to a safe area, change your contact information for added security. A divorce attorney who has experience working with victims of domestic violence can help you apply for an Order of Protection and start the divorce process. 

Marital problems are never simple to deal with. When they reach a breaking point, couples may consider legal options to move on. The two most common options are legal separation or divorce. Understanding the differences is important for making an informed decision.

What Is a Legal Separation? 

A legal separation is when both spouses decide to live apart. It is a court-approved agreement for separation, but a divorce is the only way to dissolve a marriage completely. So if you want to get remarried to some else, then a divorce may be best for you. 

Legal separation allows couples to step back, test a separation, and possibly reconnect in the future. When divorce appears too final, legal separation is a viable option. For many it could be due to religion or personal views. Divorce marks the end of a marriage and can be exhausting for both parties. It represents the end of the partnership. It can be a painful experience, so some view legal separation as a safer choice. 

There are times when one parent must relocate with their children. Whether due to a job change, to be closer to family, or to begin a new committed relationship, when adults move, minor children need to be considered carefully. 

While this can be difficult, ideally the parent who is not moving will still maintain their role in the children’s lives to the fullest extent possible. Even when a judge gives a parent permission to relocate, the other parent does not automatically lose parental responsibilities or parenting time; therefore, the parents need to work together to make co-parenting work. Here are some tips for successful long-distance co-parenting.

Schedule Times to Check In

A parent who does not live close to their children may not be involved in managing the children’s day-to-day lives, but the parent still needs to stay informed of what is going on so they can work to help make the right decisions. Since life can get busy, co-parents should schedule a time to communicate so each can learn what they need to know.