How to Press Domestic Assault Charges
Pressing domestic assault charges may help resolve the victim’s immediate security concerns but his or her future will be dependent on the direction of the court’s ruling. Reports from the National Coalition against Domestic Violence indicate that one out of four women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Requirements
- Tangible evidence of abuse
- Eye witnesses
- An attorney or advocate
Advice
- Contact law enforcement officers immediately upon assault. The attacker will most likely be arrested, arraigned in court and then formal charges pressed against him or her. This is the opportune time to press charges through a court process.
- Collect enough evidence to prove your claim of abuse. It is advisable to take photos of injuries sustained during the attack. When psychological assault was sustained, you need to write the instances down in their proper sequence. Consult with reliable eyewitnesses.
- Locate professional help from a legal attorney or a family violence advocate. Usually the courts appoint a court prosecutor to handle cases but it is upon you to arrange for legal representation through a lawyer. Based on your evidence, your attorney or advocate is in a position to press charges for the case.
- File a criminal case in court in order to bring your assaulter to justice. The cases may result in the attacker being jailed or an order of protection served. It may also lead to counseling for both the victim and the attacker.
- Seek a safe house to reside during the motion.
- Go to a domestic abuse shelter in your location. Many safe houses provide temporary and sometimes permanent accommodation. Many safe house advocates help press charges against domestic violence.