Domestic violence is something that we hope ourselves or our loved ones don’t ever have to go through. However, it’s something that’s all too common, so if you ever find yourself or your loved ones in this situation, it’s good to know exactly what to do. Having said that, here’s how to get the best outcome for domestic violence.
Report the Abuse
Whether you’re the individual who is the victim of domestic violence or you suspect the abuse is happening to a loved one, the first thing you want to do is report the abuse. It’s essential to report the abuse to local authorities, and if you don’t feel like you’re in the position to do so, for example, if you’re too fearful, then there are organisations available in Northern Ireland such as Victim Support NI, who will be able to provide the right support and advice for those involved.
Reporting the abuse is the first thing and the most important. Without awareness of what’s going on, the people involved will continue to go unnoticed, and this could end up with more serious outcomes if ignored.
Gather Evidence
The next thing you’ll need to do is gather as much evidence as you can relating to the domestic abuse. If you’re in a domestic abuse relationship, taking photos and getting witness statements can be critical. Keep hold of any emails and correspondence of any type that might be useful when it comes to battling the case. Whether you’re a witness to it, a person aware of it happening, or the victim itself, the more evidence you can compile, the better the outcome will likely be.
Get Help
If you’re someone who is suffering at the hands of another, then you’re going to want to seek help from those who can provide it. If you’ve not been vocal about it to friends and family, then it’s worth talking to your nearest and dearest to inform them of what’s going on. They’ll be your support network not only during the time where you’re still in the relationship, but also afterwards and when you’re going through the motions of a court case.
When you’ve got the support of loved ones, you’ll also want to seek the help of those who can legally seek justice on your behalf. Physical and mental abuse is something that can result in a very severe punishment given by the courts and can result in prison time with enough evidence. It’s good to find the right legal aid where possible to ensure you come out of it winning. Make sure you do your research to find the best legal support out there, and with all the evidence you gather, you will hopefully get the outcome that you deserve.
Abuse in any form is not at all justified, and it’s important that you help yourself or others to end the suffering of domestic and physical abuse. Use these tips to ensure that your loved ones or you know exactly what to do if you’re ever found in this situation.
We at Harry McPartland & Sons have a team of dedicated and trusted solicitors who have experience with domestic violence cases. We work to get the best outcome for our clients. Find out our contact details here.