Domestic Violence Lawyers in Jacksonville Fl

Domestic violence is a single incident or pattern that involves violence or other abuse by one person against someone else in a domestic setting.

Likewise, it can also be described as any bodily injury, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, emotional abuse, threats, personal property damage, or the disturbance of another person’s peace.

The Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV) states that Florida ranks high on the list of states with cases reported to local police.

In 2016, over 105,000 cases were reported, resulting in over 60,000 arrests.

State certified shelters provide over 600,000 nights of shelter to over 16,000 victims and their children. It is estimated that over 50% of all domestic abuse crimes are not reported.

Also, 15% of all violent crimes and 72% of all murder-suicides involve a domestic partner. Of these crimes, 94% are committed against women.

It is key to act quickly when any form of this crime has occurred, no matter the gender.

Michael Atter, David Wolf and Jennifer Eringer are highly experienced in family law matters that involve domestic violence.

The most common legal course of action is a restraining order. This order commands the named party not to approach, contact, or communicate with you at home, work, or in your vehicle.

Domestic Violence Profiles

Victims are from all walks of life, no matter their race, age, status, or lifestyle. Anyone can fall victim to a one of these crime.

Physical and sexual assaults are the most common forms. Victims often feel helpless, depressed, guilty, withdrawn, and in some cases, suicidal.

Abusers, on the other hand, often struggle with self-esteem, jealousy, and feelings of inadequacy. Abusers see their victims as a possession to do with what they choose.

They feel they have a right to exert extreme pressure or even physical violence on their partner. This pattern of behavior is unpredictable and very dangerous.

If you are in an abusive relationship, seek the help of a licensed mental health counselor as soon as possible.

If you are the victim of an illegal domestic violence action, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-787-7233, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The call is anonymous and confidential. In addition, here’s a list of several Northeast Florida Domestic Violence shelters.

Florida’s Certified Domestic Violence Centers

• Hubbard House Jacksonville (904) 354-0076

• Quigley House Clay County (904) 284-0061

• Safety Center of St. Johns County Saint Augustine (904) 808-8544

• Micah’s Place Fernandina Beach (904) 491-6364

• Lee Conlee House Palatka (386) 325-4447

• Another Way Lake City (866) 875-7983

We Know Your Fears

At Wood, Atter and Wolf, we know the pain you are going through and the damage that can be caused by an abusive spouse or partner.

We also know why so many victims stay in this situation.

Many times, the victim fears for their life if they try to leave or divorce their partner.

Our clients, who seek legal advice or an answer to these complex problems, believe the abusive partner’s actions will get more violent.

We know that quick legal action is required to protect the abused partner and their children.

A restraining order may command the named party not to approach you, your home, work, or vehicle, and it may keep them from having any kind of contact or with you.

Violating such a restraining order can carry court-imposed penalties. Time is of the essence when seeking a restraining order. The court provides documentation and a way to resolve legal disputes.

It can also look into any un-reported crimes of domestic violence that might have occurred.

If divorce is the only other option, we have over 62+ years of experience in all Jacksonville family law matters.

Most victims have the same concerns as someone seeking a divorce, such as child support, but their fears are increased due to the behavior of their spouse.

Our number one concern is for your safety. We can advise you on your best legal course of action, and we are here when you need us the most.

In all domestic violence matters, our lawyers will work to resolve these very personal legal matters as quickly and delicately as possible.

Our family law lawyers are here for clients located in and around the Northeast Florida area, including Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, or in the areas around Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties.

Call Us at (904) 355-8888 for a consultation.