• What is considered abusive behavior?
• What legal action can be taken against an abusive spouse?
• What if I am accused of Domestic Violence and need legal defense?

What is considered abusive behavior?
Family Violence is a tragic reality for people of all backgrounds and income levels. Therapists who work with abused family members consider any means of maintaining power over another person is a form of abuse. Among the more common ways this behavior shows up is: 1) Emotional abuse-using comments to lower a partner’s self esteem or to make him or her feel bad; using mind games 2) Threats and intimidation-using fear to control; threatening to do harm to the children, others or him/herself 3) Economic abuse-withholding money; keeping a partner from getting or keeping a job 4) Sexual abuse-forced sexual contact, rape 5) Physical assault-hitting, punching, beating, choking, pulling hair, kicking, burning, using weapons 6) Property destruction-breaking furniture or windows, intentionally damaging the car

What legal action can be taken against an abusive spouse?
As these matters are highly charged and often complicated, it is best to call our offices for an individual consultation. For immediate issues of where to go and/or how to protect you and/or your children, it is best to look under “Family Services”, or “social Services” in your telephone directory. Of course, if you feel that your life or well-being are in danger, you should contact the local police department to initiate protection proceedings.

What if I am accused of Domestic Violence and need legal defense?
Again, these are complicated issues and require individual legal advice. We suggest you call the office of Kamensky – Cohen & Associates and make an appointment. All initial consultations are without charge