Trusted Domestic Violence Attorney in Mountain View, CA
Domestic violence is a very serious topic that can have massive consequences on a variety of family law matters. It is also an incredibly difficult thing to live through, and California’s legal system has supports in place to help protect survivors and their families. You might find it easier to understand and access those supports when you work with a Mountain View domestic violence lawyer.
The Law Offices of Rebekah A. Frye, PC, understands the severity and importance of these cases. We’re here to help you every step of the way so you know you’re not alone.
Domestic Violence in California
Thankfully, domestic violence rates in California have been dropping since 2001. However, people do still experience this violence, and it is incredibly difficult to deal with.
California’s domestic violence laws have continued to expand to cover many types of violence and abuse, not just physical abuse. In fact, domestic violence can include:
- Physical harm
- The threat of imminent physical harm
- Verbal abuse
- Coercive control
- Sexual assault
- Destruction of personal property
Any of these actions, when committed by a romantic partner or other close cohabitant, can constitute domestic violence. Psychological aggression can be both more common and more difficult to recognize, with nearly half of all US adults experiencing it from a partner at some point in their lives.
When you’ve experienced any of these, you have options. Our Mountain View family law attorney offers you many ways to address domestic violence, and it can influence other family law matters like divorce, child custody, spousal support, and more. In some cases, you may also wish to involve law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Understanding Coercive Control
California recognizes that not all abuse is physical and has updated its family codes to explicitly recognize coercive control as a form of domestic violence. This describes a pattern of behavior where someone tries to use manipulation, harassment, and abuse to interfere with your ability to make decisions for yourself.
Coercive control can be exceptionally difficult to recognize, and you might not even realize it’s happening to you. When you speak to a Mountain View domestic violence attorney, they might be able to help you figure out what types of violence you’ve been facing, as they’re categorized under California law.
There are many ways someone can try to coerce and control others. These can include:
- Financial control
- Monitoring of private communication
- Isolating someone from their loved ones
- Making them doubt their own thoughts and feelings
- Telling someone how they’re allowed to dress or with whom they’re allowed to spend time
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Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself
It is often difficult for victims of domestic violence to advocate for themselves. If you suspect you’ve been experiencing abuse, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe:
- Keep documentation of any abuse, such as photos, text messages, or handwritten notes
- Confide in someone that you trust
- If it’s safe to do so, establish your own cash savings or bank account
- Learn self-defense techniques if you are concerned about physical violence
- Utilize some of California’s many organizations and resources dedicated to supporting survivors
Lastly, you may want to get professional legal help. An established lawyer can help you understand what legal options you have, in addition to the other ways you can protect yourself.
Hire a Mountain View Domestic Violence Lawyer for Support
Leaving an abusive situation can be dangerous. In many cases, abuse can worsen when the controlling person feels that their control is slipping. Working with a trained lawyer can help you pursue the legal protection you need to get out of an unhealthy situation.
Mountain View domestic violence attorneys don’t just help with getting restraining orders. We can walk you through your options, represent you in court matters, and help you advocate for the outcomes you need to promote your healing. Many people find it easier to work with our team than to try to face these difficult and complex cases alone.
FAQs About Mountain View, CA Domestic Violence Laws
What Are the 3 R’s of Domestic Violence?
The three R’s of domestic violence are a set of guidelines to help anyone be more aware and supportive of domestic violence cases—recognize, respond, and refer. First, you must be able to recognize potential violence. Then, you respond to the situation or the suspected victim and refer them to resources that might be able to help, such as a qualified attorney.
Why Do Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?
Domestic violence cases can get dismissed for many reasons. In some cases, the person who started the case withdraws their testimony or stops participating in the legal proceedings. In others, insufficient evidence or an out-of-court resolution can cause the case to be dismissed. Our lawyers can help you understand what your case needs to be stronger, wherever you find yourself.
Where Are Domestic Violence Cases in Mountain View Handled?
Mountain View domestic violence cases can be handled in family court or criminal court, or both. Family matters are often handled by the Family Division of the Santa Clara County Superior Court in San Jose. When you hire a domestic violence lawyer, they can help you understand the jurisdiction for your case and what option is right for you.
Can Domestic Violence Allegations Affect Custody Cases?
Yes, allegations of domestic violence can severely affect the outcome of a custody case. The courts take any type of abuse seriously, and allegations of domestic violence against a parent might limit their rights to have time with their children. Convictions in criminal court for domestic violence can also influence family law cases.
Get Thorough Legal Support Now
In Santa Clara County, there were over 7,000 domestic violence-related calls for assistance to law enforcement in 2024. Dealing with a domestic violence case means working with a busy legal system that might not see your case for the unique situation it is. Our lawyers can help with that.
Whether you need to start domestic violence proceedings or defend against false allegations, our team can help you figure out what to do next. Attorney Rebekah Frye, who heads our team, is a Certified Family Law Specialist in California, a rare and valuable certification that recognizes her experience and skills in this area.
Contact The Law Offices of Rebekah A. Frye, PC, now to get the help you need in your case. No one should have to handle such a difficult situation alone.
