Montgomery County Domestic Violence Lawyers Assisting Men Who Are Victims of Abuse

In 2010 and 2011, surveys investigating domestic violence cases against each gender were conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the surveys found that a similar percentage of men reported experiencing domestic violence from an intimate partner as did women. Specifically, the report revealed that 30.5% of women and 25.7% of men are assaulted by an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime. The report also shows that men suffer from emotional abuse more than women. Violence is not just a “man thing;” unfortunately, it is a people thing. Luckily, a skilled domestic violence lawyer can help.

Of concern is that relatively few men report the domestic violence perpetrated against them. Even fewer men file for Petitions of Protection Against Domestic Violence. There are several reasons for men not reporting the violence against them. Male victims of domestic violence struggle with the stereotypical expectations that men must be strong, stoic, dominant, in control of their emotions, and able to cope on their own. These expectations have a significant effect on how men view themselves as victims of domestic violence and whether male victims even recognize their victimization at all. Men see themselves as “weak” for having become a victim. Oftentimes, male victims believe that society will not see them as a victim.

Interestingly, the same support services that exist for women do not exist for men. While the names of the shelters and organizations that help victims of domestic violence are titled in a “gender-neutral” way, a closer look shows that these shelters and organizations are women-focused. Further, there has been very little research regarding domestic violence against men. The studies that have been done show that one-third of abused men sustain serious physical injury from the female physical abuser. Society needs to be gender-neutral. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, call us. We can help. It is critically important that men are taken as seriously as women in domestic abuse instances.

In representing men through the divorce process, it has always surprised us that men do not usually tell us about the abuse they endured. Instead, the details of abuse slowly unfold through the course of representation. If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, tell your attorney. The men’s domestic abuse lawyers at Paré & Associates understand and can help. Call us today at 301-962-2492.

What is the Difference Between Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse in Maryland?

Domestic violence and domestic abuse have slightly different definitions. In either case, men are often silent victims. Until more men speak out about the domestic violence or domestic abuse they have suffered, a stigma will remain and silence even more men.

What is Domestic Violence?

Acts of pushing, scratching, hitting, and punching
Biting, grabbing, and shoving
Spitting and/or Slapping
Attempting or threatening to kill you
Threatening to hurt or hurting children, loved ones, and pets
Burning and Strangling
Threatening or attacking you with a weapon

In addition to domestic violence, domestic abuse is also present, which is more devastating.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Displaying extreme jealousy and blaming you for anything and everything.
Name-calling or insulting
Embarrassing you in front of children, the public, and friends
Disparaging you to your friends
Isolating by telling lies about you
Criticizing your appearance, way of talking, and reacting
Controlling or withholding money
Using money as a tool to coerce behavior
Throwing things near or at you to humiliate, hurt or intimidate you
Destroying possessions or treasured objects
Damaging or threatening to harm children and/or pets
Waking you repeatedly from sleep to start an argument

Often, victims of domestic abuse do not realize that they are being abused. Domestic abuse destroys the health and happiness of the victim. Statistics reveal that an equal number of men and women are victims of domestic abuse but abused men find it more challenging to find help.

The harm from domestic abuse can continue for years after the relationship has ended. It is crucial to know what domestic abuse is and to remove yourself from a domestically abusive relationship.

What Should You Do After a Domestic Incident?

When you are stuck in a violent relationship, formulate a safety plan, and seek support from your friends, family members, domestic violence victims organizations, and a skilled domestic violence lawyer. Your safety is our priority, so you should do the following when the abuser becomes violent or starts threatening you.

Call 911 immediately.
Cooperate with law enforcement by providing the correct details of the incident.
File criminal charges.
Take photos of your injuries and any property damage that can be used as documentary proof of abuse.
Take the required medical treatment.
Go to a safe area, such as a family member’s home or domestic violence shelter.
Talk with an expert men’s domestic violence attorney to discuss protection orders, child custody, divorce, and other issues.
Ensure Your Safety with a Protection Order.

Domestic violence victims can seek interim, temporary, and permanent protection orders in Germantown, Montgomery County, and the rest of Maryland. Depending on the situation, a protection order can do many essential things, which include:

Preventing your abuser from being in your location
Forbidding your abuser from entering your home, school, or workplace
Allowing you to use the house, apartment, or vehicle that you and the abuser share
Requiring mental health or substance abuse counseling
Obstructing abusive or threatening interactions
Granting temporary child custody
Providing temporary financial assistance
Preventing your abuser from owning or possessing firearms

If your abuser violates the terms of the protection order, they face additional criminal charges and penalties.

Contact us at 301-962-2492 or online immediately if any help is needed for filing a petition for a protection order. Our domestic violence attorneys will ensure that paperwork is correct and present a compelling case to a judge to avoid further threats and violence.

What Are the Criminal Penalties for Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence charges carry severe criminal penalties. If convicted, your abuser faces:

First-degree assault: up to 25 in prison
Second-degree assault: up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine
Rape and other sexual offenses: up to a life sentence
Reckless endangerment: up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
Child abuse or kidnapping: up to 30 years in prison
Violation of a vulnerable adult: up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
Stalking: up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine

Other crimes, such as false imprisonment and violation of a protective order, carry different penalties. Once you file criminal charges, a prosecutor will handle the criminal case.

Paré & Associates, LLC (formerly Law Office Of Alice Paré) has more than 30 years of experience litigating both family law and criminal issues to keep domestic violence victims safe and help them rebuild. Our team understands the complexities of these cases, which can be physically and emotionally challenging. If you need help escaping domestic violence, contact an experienced domestic violence attorney at 301-962-2492 for your consultation.