{"id":4323,"date":"2020-03-27T12:52:49","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T17:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gbfamilylaw.com\/?p=4323"},"modified":"2023-08-01T11:05:25","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T16:05:25","slug":"sheltering-in-place-and-intimate-partner-violence-seeking-help-during-an-emergency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gbfamilylaw.com\/blogs\/sheltering-in-place-and-intimate-partner-violence-seeking-help-during-an-emergency\/","title":{"rendered":"Sheltering-in-Place and Intimate Partner Violence: Seeking Help During an Emergency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While most Texans are staying home to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, many are struggling with a different kind of danger within their own homes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a Center for Disease Control<\/a> report on domestic violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physically abusive intimate partner violence[1]. Domestic violence incidents typically increase during times of stress. Children are not exempt from these horrific abuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When attempting to escape intimate partner violence, many victims wait until they are alone before reaching out for help. When an abuser never leaves for work, that window of opportunity narrows; however, there are still people standing by to provide help, even in the middle of a pandemic. Some therapists and counselors are offering video- and phone-conferencing options to provide remote sessions. Domestic violence shelters remain open, albeit under social-distancing restrictions within safehouses. Many family law attorneys continue to offer phone and video consultations to keep clients and attorneys healthy while addressing clients\u2019 immediate needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Court intervention remains an option for those seeking emergency relief from domestic violence. In most larger Texas counties, family courts are temporarily closed except for emergency hearings. Even under these restrictive settings, courts are available to consider applications for protective orders and temporary restraining orders\u2014even as some courts are shifting to an online platform for hearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in a situation where family or dating violence has occurred and is likely to occur again, you may qualify for a protective order and should seek legal help. Upon application for a protective order, you may be able to have your partner excluded from your home and ordered to stay away from you\u2014and possibly your children\u2014on a temporary basis until a final hearing. For victims seeking divorce, family law attorneys<\/a> can ask the court for specific safety measures to remain in place while the divorce is pending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Service providers have always had hotlines available, but many now offer video-calling or chat services and can provide valuable information about covering your tracks electronically when seeking help online. Below is a list of resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n