When relationships become dangerous, or even life threatening, quick action is needed. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys will move quickly to obtain a protective order on your behalf.  Domestic violence has an enormous impact on the long-term physical and mental health of domestic survivors.

Beyond the immediate risk of physical injury, survivors of domestic violence have higher rates of reproductive health issues and mental illness including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, even if they succeed in leaving their abusers.  Faced with these startling and upsetting statistics, it can be difficult to understand why someone whose intimate partner treats them this way would not “just leave.” It’s true that escaping an abusive relationship is most often the best solution for people experiencing domestic violence, but the reality is that “just leaving” is incredibly difficult.

An abuser may threaten to further harm his partner or two harm the couple’s children or family if they try to leave. They may threaten to ruin them financially or to take custody of the children. What’s more, the partner experiencing abuse may feel a sense of shame or isolation from their friends and family, which leads them to the conclusion that he or she has nowhere else to go.

The good news is that Washington law provides several remedies that can help protect someone experiencing domestic violence, including restraining orders and orders of protection. Washington law also handles divorces differently when domestic violence was committed during marriage and may help the spouse who suffered the violence win more favorable terms in a divorce decree.