All families have their share of disagreements and conflicts. And sometimes personal issues can boil over into harsh words and hurt feelings. But hopefully, such incidents are short-lived and have no lasting negative impact. However, when conflicts result in outbursts of violence, then it is important that the matter is taken seriously.
A home that is rife with threats and acts of violence is simply not safe to live in for a number of reasons. It is easy to understand the danger created by a family member who imposes physical harm on other members of the household. But when one family member suffers, all others in the house suffer as well.
This can be especially true when children witness their parents fighting. Such exposure can leave children feeling scared, angry and helpless. This trauma can cause emotional and behavioral issues that carry into adulthood. And if a parent or other family member is physically harming or abusing a child, it is imperative that the situation is dealt with as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there are some actions you can take to protect yourself and your children if you are being harmed or threatened by a family member such as a spouse or former spouse. For instance, you may be able to have a protective order issued to the offending party.
Another thing you may wish to do is contact a family law attorney to explore further options that could help provide you and your children with a safer environment. We at Regan Armstrong and Associates understand the often frightening difficulties faced by those who have been experiencing family violence. We have experience advocating for the safety and well-being of family members who want to escape the dangerous situation they are in and rebuild their lives. Our page on family violence further explains our services and how they may benefit you.
