There are few things more frightening than feeling threatened by a violent person. This is even more the case when it comes to feeling threatened by a member of your own family. If you feel threatened by a family member, know that you are not alone and have options. The law is on your side.

According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, one in three Texans will experience domestic violence sometime during their lifetime. Domestic violence is especially troubling because so many sufferers are hesitant to contact the police out of fear that it will further agitate the violent person or that their family members will get into trouble. It is important to remember that whether family or not, no one has the right to be violent toward another person. If you feel threatened by a family member and fear for your safety, consult a Texas attorney to pursue a protective order to keep yourself safe from harm.

When to File a Protective Order

Violence of any kind can inflict a lifetime of trauma and suffering. When violence is directed at you by a family member, this can be especially devastating. Your family is supposed to protect and support you. Contacting the police can be an intimidating thing. But remember, you deserve protection. You may wonder when the right time to file a protective order is. Consider filing a protective order if someone:

  • Perpetrates a violent act to inflict physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault
  • Threatens you to the point where you fear you will be subjected to bodily harm or injury, assault, or sexual assault

It is not uncommon for an abuser to try and gaslight the person they are abusing into thinking it is their fault that they are being abused. This type of twisted logic creates confusion and shame within the abused person. The faster you seek legal help through a protected order, the quicker you can remove yourself from your situation and move on with your life.

What Exactly Does a Protective Order Do?

In essence, a protective order requires the abuser to cease their behavior or face legal penalties. Since a protective order declares a legal boundary that a violent person must then obey, law enforcement has the right to arrest the abuser if they choose to violate the legal boundary imposed on them by the protective order. Furthermore, protective orders often include provisions that can help prevent:

  • Domestic violence and dating violence
  • All communication with the abuser, meaning the abuser is prohibited from calling, emailing, texting, stalking, hitting, attacking, or disturbing the abused person, potentially including their children and other family/household members
  • Abusers from showing up at your home or place of employment
  • Abusers from transporting or getting rid of any property you may own or lease with them

Protective orders can also help prevent your child from being removed by an abuser from the court’s jurisdiction. In addition, there are circumstances where a protective order requires the abuser to surrender all weapons they may possess and attend counseling.

Contact a Dallas Protective Order Attorney

No one deserves to live in fear for their safety. If you fear for the protection of yourself or your children, do not hesitate to contact the knowledgeable Dallas protective order lawyers with Clark Law Group. Call 469-906-2266 today for a comprehensive consultation.

Source: https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/family-violence/