How to Help Someone Who is a Victim of Domestic Violence

According to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCAD), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will be victims of serious physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. If you suspect or know someone is being abused, you may be unsure about how to help. Letting the person know you care can help them feel less alone and afraid. A domestic violence lawyer offers advice on some other steps you can take to help.

Listen Without Judgment

Many victims feel ashamed or embarrassed about revealing that they are being abused. Listen without judgment and allow your loved one to talk about what is happening without offering advice. Let them know that you believe them, that they are not alone, and that they do not deserve to be abused. Also, make it clear you are willing to help if they want you to. Just knowing that another person is listening can empower a domestic violence victim to take action.

Help Them Find Resources

You can help an abused victim find support and resources by giving them phone numbers and websites for local support groups, shelters, counselors, social services, and domestic abuse lawyers. It is also helpful to obtain information about domestic violence and child custody laws, and about how to get a Protection from Abuse order (PFA). Calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 can help you find local resources for a loved one.

Help Them Create a Safety Plan

Domestic violence victims who leave their abusive partners are at a greater risk of being killed than those who stay. It is critical to help them put a safety plan in place should a crisis occur or they decide to leave. Discuss each element of the safety plan, and discuss ways to reduce the risks in specific situations. A domestic violence safety plan should include the following:

1.    A safe place to go if there is an emergency or if they leave their abuser
2.   A list of emergency contacts, which may include the numbers for the domestic violence hotline, trusted friends and family members, and local shelters and social services
3. A code word to alert friends and family that help is needed
4. An "escape bag", which should include cash, important documents such as birth certificates and social security cards, copies of house and car keys, clothes, and toiletries. If the victim has children, they may want to include a favorite toy as well.
5. Most domestic violence victims do not want to leave their pets behind. Making arrangements for a trusted person to care for their pets if needed can help assuage some of their fears.

When to Call the Police

If you hear or see someone being abused, call 911. Although an abused person may not want to get the police involved, it is the most effective way to keep the victim and their children from being harmed. Children should never have to stay in a violent situation. Even if it goes against the wishes of the victim or the abuser, do whatever it takes to ensure the children’s safety, including calling the police and child protective services.

Whether you are a victim of abuse, want to help someone you care about, or need a domestic violence defense lawyer because you have been wrongly accused, our dedicated and compassionate legal team is here for you.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/how-to-help-someone-who-is-a-victim-of-domestic-violence/

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Possible Defenses for Sexual Assault: A Sex Crimes Attorney Explains

If you have been accused of a sex crime, you may feel hopeless and unsure of where to turn. An experienced sexual assault lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Your attorney can also investigate the facts of your case and work with you to develop the best possible defense strategies. Although each circumstance is unique, there are several defenses that may be used in sex crime cases.

Innocence

The most common defense in many criminal cases is the accused maintaining their innocence.  However, even if you are innocent, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be exonerated. Although as a defendant in a criminal case you are not required to prove anything, convincing a judge or jury of your innocence can be challenging in a sexual assault case. Some important elements that can strengthen your defense include:

●     A strong alibi that can be corroborated

●     Evidence that shows the allegations are false, such as text messages or witness testimony

●     Physical evidence

These are just a few elements that may strengthen your case. Your sex crimes attorney will talk with you about any and all specific evidence that may prove your innocence in your case.

Consent

Unfortunately, sexual assault allegations often happen after an encounter that the accused believed was consensual. In some cases, the alleged victim may have given consent for a sexual activity at the outset, but later claim that he/she revoked it. In this type of situation, your defense attorney can help you challenge these false accusations.

Demonstrating an Accuser’s Motivation for Making a False Claim

If your sexual abuse lawyer can present evidence that your accuser made false accusations and has motive to seek revenge against you for something unrelated, this can be a compelling defense. In some cases, an accuser may have made claims against others that were proven to be unsubstantiated. When combined with other evidence, this defense can be effective at establishing reasonable doubt.

Regardless of which type of sex crime charges you face, having a knowledgeable defense attorney by your side is critical. Our sexual assault lawyers are experienced professionals who provide exceptional legal counsel without judgment. We believe everyone deserves the best defense possible and work to achieve positive outcomes for all our clients. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/possible-defenses-for-sexual-assault-a-sex-crimes-attorney-explains/

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What Happens When You’re Injured as a Passenger in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Being hurt in a motor vehicle accident can leave you overwhelmed and wondering how you will pay for your medical bills and other expenses. If you’re injured as a passenger, It can be challenging to figure out who may be responsible for damages. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case, determine who may be at fault, and identify all possible sources of compensation. Who may be liable will depend on the specific situation.

Options for Filing a Car Accident Claim as an Injured Passenger

File a Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

If another motorist caused an accident, and you were injured, you can file a claim against his/her insurer. However, if multiple people were injured, and the at-fault driver has low insurance policy limits, the amount of compensation you receive may not be enough to cover all types of damages. When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, things can get even more complicated. Hiring an accident attorney can help take the weight off of your shoulders and significantly increase your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation you need and deserve.

File a Claim With Your Driver’s Insurer

You may also be able to have your medical bills and some other accident-related expenses covered by the insurer of the person who was driving the car you were in, regardless of who was at fault. In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage included in their vehicle insurance policy. Again, depending on the driver’s insurance policy limits, PIP may or may not be enough to cover all of your medical bills and wage loss.

If the driver of the car you were riding in as a passenger is at fault, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering from the liability coverage on the driver’s policy. People are often hesitant to file a claim with a friend’s or family member’s insurance company. However, you are not trying to get money from them personally, but rather are seeking compensation from their insurer. Once you file a claim, it will be between you and the insurer, and your loved one will likely not be involved. If you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will handle all communications and negotiations with insurers.

File a Claim with Your Own Auto Insurance Company

If you have your own car insurance policy with PIP, MedPay, or uninsured /underinsured motorist coverage, you can use it to pay your medical bills and damages even though you weren’t driving. You may also be able to use your health insurance to cover medical costs. However, some insurers may require you to exhaust auto insurance claims first.

Dealing with multiple insurers can be frustrating and time-consuming. Our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers provide free case evaluations and give you a straightforward assessment of your claim.  If your claim proceeds, we handle all aspects of your case, act as your strong advocates, and fight to help you recover the full and fair amount of compensation you need to protect your health and financial security.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/what-happens-when-youre-injured-as-a-passenger-in-a-motor-vehicle-accident/

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What to Do if You’re a Father Who Wants to Gain Custody of His Children

Fathers have just as much a right to obtain custody of their children as mothers do. However, many fathers face challenges when trying to gain full or partial custody of their children. Finding the best child custody lawyer and taking steps to show you are capable of caring for your children can help strengthen your arguments for gaining custody. These tips provide guidance about what to do if you are seeking custody of your children.

Stay Current with Child Support Payments

Although child support does not affect your right to obtain custody of your children, a judge may interpret failing to keep up with payments as a lack of interest in caring for your child. If you have been ordered to pay support, make sure to do so on time. If you and your co-parent have an informal child support arrangement, keep records and proof of payment.

Cultivate a Strong Relationship with Your Child

Regardless of your child’s age or how much parenting time you currently have, it is critical to build and maintain a solid relationship with your child. Communicating regularly, whether by phone, text, videoconference, or in person, shows your child you care about them and keeps you up-to-date on what’s going on in their life. Don’t forget to make time for fun activities and provide emotional support when they need it.  If you have family or close friends in the area, help your child cultivate their relationships with your loved ones as well.

Stay Involved and Attend Important Events

Showing a commitment to supporting the social, educational, and religious aspects of your child’s life can help you make a case for custody.  Parent-teacher meetings, doctor’s appointments, sporting events, school plays, playdates, and birthdays are just a few examples of important activities that can help strengthen your bond with your child and show you are involved in their life.

Keep Records

To demonstrate your involvement in your child’s life, it is a good idea to maintain records of the time you spend with them. Keep a calendar of your visitation schedule and parenting time, your parenting plan, and vacations. You should also document any events or meetings you attend that involve your child. Good child custody lawyers will advise you on exactly what to document and the best way to keep records of your involvement with your child.

Prepare a Space in Your Home for Your Child

All children need their own space where they can spend time relaxing and playing. The court will want to know about how your home is set-up and whether your child has a room of their own. Even if you live in a small apartment, creating a small space for your child to enjoy is essential.

Create a Plan for Your Child’s Needs

Staying on top of all aspects of your child’s care shows that you are dedicated to providing for them to the best of your ability. Write down your plans for their education, child care, after-school activities, and health care. Having a plan for continuing emotional and financial support shows a judge that you are willing to do whatever it takes to give your child a stable and happy life.

Be Respectful

Custody battles are often fraught with emotion and can be very contentious. However, it is vital to show respect to your co-parent and the court. Do not badmouth your co-parent in front of your children or in court proceedings. Judges definitely take your attitude into account when determining custody arrangements, so stay positive and polite.

If you and your co-parent cannot communicate in a civil manner, have your family law attorney handle communications during negotiations and proceedings. It is also important to remember that you and your co-parent share a lifelong commitment to your child, so it is best to make the effort to get along.

If you are a father who is interested in gaining custody of your children, our child custody lawyers offer a free consultation and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/what-to-do-if-youre-a-father-who-wants-to-gain-custody-of-his-children/

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