A domestic violence injunction, also known as a restraining order, is a court order that forbids one person from certain actions involving the individual that has filed the injunction. Coronavirus has put some victims of domestic violence in an unfortunate situation where they may feel hopeless. Unfortunately, domestic abuse has risen since the occurrence of coronavirus due to forced close quarters. However, a victim of domestic abuse does not have to feel powerless. By learning more about a domestic violence injunction, you can protect yourself from your abuser.
1. Your Abuser May Not Listen
In some situations, your abuser may not obey the domestic violence injunction placed against them. This could be because they are angry at you for defying them or feel humiliated for being exposed. In this case, you should follow your safety plan and gather evidence (texts, voice messages, etc) to prove that your abuser is disobeying the court. If you feel that you are in danger, call 911 immediately.
2. Your Information Matters
At your final hearing for your injunction, you should dress as nicely as you can and politely address the judge. Practice how you present your story to the judge and clearly explain why you need protection. Presenting different dates and times that you were abused is a great way of presenting your case. If you have text messages, emails, or voicemails that depict abuse from your abuser, present them to the court.
3. You Can Get a Domestic Violence Injunction During The Coronavirus Pandemic
While you may be stuck inside with your abuser from a shelter in place order, you still have options to escape the situation. Many Clerks of Court remain open as essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. This means that you can start the process for an injunction. To do this, you will start with a Petition for Protection against Domestic Violence. You may be granted a temporary injunction during this time for your protection.
4. Temporary Injunctions Are Temporary
It is easy to see how a domestic violence injunction could fuel an abuser to take action against their victim. A temporary injunction is used in order to keep you safe while you are waiting for a court hearing. In order to receive one, you must make sure that the judge knows that you feel you are in immediate danger. If you receive a permanent injunction, the temporary injunction will expire.
5. A Temporary Injunction Does Not Promise Permanent Injunctions
Just because you have received a temporary injunction does not mean that you are guaranteed a permanent domestic violence injunction. As horrible as it is, abusers are great at manipulating a situation. However, with the right lawyer, you can shatter your abuser’s attempts at swaying the court.
Domestic Violence Injunction Florida With Paul H. Bowen
If you are a victim of domestic violence that has filed for an injunction and you are scared that your abuser will try to trick the courtroom, you do not have to worry. Paul H. Bowen has been handling matters of divorce, custody, and more for over 30 years. When handling matters in the courtroom against an abuser, you will want a lawyer who is sharp, quick, and able to expose a domestic abuser’s lies. Paul H. Bowen Law has the experience and intellect to help you get your abuser out of your life. For a consultation, call us at (727) 773-1554.