You can find Sara here:
DC Volunteer Lawyers Project
Show Notes:
[02:41] This is the 10th year of DCVLP providing high-quality pro bono legal services to domestic violence victims.
[03:12] They focus on representing domestic violence survivors in obtaining protection orders and ongoing custody and divorce litigation.
[03:32] Their lawyers also serve as court appointed guardians for at risk children.
[04:12] Sara has been practicing law for 15 years. She also has a degree in social work, and she feels her experience as a trained mediator is critical.
[05:21] Sara was one of Tracey’s first DCVLP supervisors. She was a wonderful example and a delight to work with.
[06:11] Domestic violence has many different faces. The definition is violent or aggressive behavior that occurs between two people who have an intimate partner relationship.
[06:59] The violence transcends all races and genders and can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
[07:32] There is frequently an element of control with abusers. This can include isolation or controlling where the victim goes or how they spend money.
[08:20] Abusers can be master manipulators. They can appear incredibly nice and respectful.
[09:15] They can appear wonderful until they get behind closed doors.
[10:25] The cycle of domestic violence. On average it takes seven attempts before the victim finally leaves the abuser. This is because there is an incident, apologies, calmness, then another incident. There can also be issues with finding a place to live or religious or cultural factors.
[11:42] Isolation by abusers has long-term implications.
[13:25] Boys who grow up witnessing domestic violence are twice as likely to be abusers when they are adults. Girls in the same situation are twice as likely to be abused.
[14:16] Victims are male and female. Relationships are hetero sexual or same sex relationships or transgendered.
[15:31] For men, there is a level of embarrassment from being the victim.
[16:18] A restraining order can give immediate relief. Individuals can file for divorce and custody of children.
[18:24] After an incident occurs, the victim can go to the courthouse and file paperwork for a protection order. You can ask for them to stay away from you, vacate your home, financial relief, and more.
user
[22:00] The divorce process. Depending on whether the domestic violence has been adjudicated or not, it impacts division of property, custody, and other aspects of the divorce.
[24:11] Allegations depend on whether there has been a finding by the court. If there has been a finding by the court, the law does favor the parent who has been the victim.
[26:57] Protective orders can be denied because there may not be a witness, or corroborating evidence, and it comes down to a he said she said.
[29:18] Manipulative abusers sometimes file counter allegations against the victim. This is a very calculated form of abuse.
[31:49] A subpoena is a request for evidence from a third party.
[32:45] Victims frequently change their minds and decide not to go forward at the last minute.
[36:19] If you are a victim of domestic violence reach out for help, because there are people who will help.
Do you have any topics that you would like me to cover in future shows? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show, and if you are enjoying what you hear please leave a review on iTunes.
Links and Resources:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
NCADV State Coalitions
Getting Help with Domestic Violence
Childhood Domestic Violence
