Domestic violence leaves deep scars on families, especially when child custody is involved. Parents in this situation often worry about their future with their kids. Let’s break down how domestic violence impacts custody decisions and what you can do about it.
The safety-first approach
Courts do not mess around with domestic violence in custody cases. They put the child’s safety first, more than anything else. When abuse becomes known, judges look at:
- How bad and how often the violence happened
- If the child saw the abuse
- Whether the abuser wants to change
- If the victim can keep the child safe
- How the child feels about both parents
Judges use these facts to make choices that protect the child. They might allow only supervised visits, order anger management classes or even keep the abusive parent away from the child.
How domestic violence changes custody long-term
Domestic violence does not just affect custody right away. It can change things for years to come. Courts might:
- Give full custody to the nonabusive parent
- Make the abusive parent go to therapy
- Set strict rules for visits
- Check in often to see how things are going
These measures aim to create a stable and safe environment for the child while allowing for potential family healing.
Protect your rights and your kids
If you are dealing with domestic violence in your family, don’t wait any further. Reach out to law enforcement as soon as you can. Seek medical attention if necessary and consider lawyering up. A family lawyer can help you get a protection order to keep you and your children safe from abuse.
