Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Awareness: Warning Signs and How to Get Help
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which calls attention to the risks, the alarming rates of abuse in Broward County, and the resources available throughout our community.
Domestic violence does not always look like what you imagine or see in the movies. It is often quiet, gradual, and deeply confusing, especially when the person causing you harm is someone you love. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer offers caring support, trusted guidance, and fierce legal advocacy to clients in these cases. Learn the common warning signs to watch for and how to get the help you need.
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence in Fort Lauderdale
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, nearly 70,000 domestic violence offenses are reported across the state each year. In Broward County alone, there were close to 4,000 incidents. Keep in mind that these numbers reflect only reported cases. Many go unreported either because the victim is afraid to speak out or doesn’t always recognize their spouse’s behavior is abusive.
Domestic abuse is about power and control. It often begins with behaviors that feel like love, jealousy, or protectiveness, but then escalate. Warning signs to be alert for include:
- Your partner monitors your phone, tracks your location, or demands to know where you are at all times.
- You feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells, afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.
- They humiliate, criticize, or put you down at home and in front of others.
- They cut you off from friends and family.
- They control the household finances and limit your access to money.
- They make threats against you or your children and pets.
- They damage your property.
You do not have to have bruises to be in an abusive relationship. Emotional and financial abuse are just as real and just as damaging.
Broward County Domestic Abuse: How to Get the Help You Need
Leaving an abuser is not as simple as just walking out the door. It’s important to understand your options and that you are not alone.
Resources available to domestic violence survivors in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Women in Distress of Broward County provides safe housing, counseling, and advocacy services at no cost.
- The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline has trained advocates who can help you make a safety plan.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential chat support if calling feels unsafe.
- An Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence (restraining order) prohibits your abuser from contacting or approaching you
An experienced Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer can help you request a restraining order and address other important matters, such as rights to children and financial support.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
We all deserve to feel safe in our homes and relationships. When a partner puts you and those you love at risk, contact Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices.
Our experienced Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer provides caring support during this difficult time and can take the legal steps needed to help protect you. Request a confidential consultation today.
Source:
myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence/resources/domestic-violence-statistics/
