A grainy and silent video documenting an ugly truth is making its way through America’s inboxes and Facebook pages today, splashed across the internet for all eyes to see. That ugly truth is the scourge of domestic violence and it is currently embodied by New Jersey’s own Ray Rice, now former running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The muted and shameful response of the NFL this summer to the Mr. Rice’s horrific elevator assault of his then fiancée has now been held up to the cruel light of day, shown to be woefully inadequate, pitiful in its short-sightedness, tragic in its ignorance. And now America is publicly talking about a subject which is for some inexplicable reason so very, very frequently swept under the rug, ignored, or even worse—downplayed or blamed on the victim.
It’s a sad truth and it’s one that every practicing family law attorney learns almost as soon as she or he takes their first case: Domestic violence is far, far too common in America. The cases are tragic and heartbreaking. Years of control, domination, mental and physical abuse, financial control, hundreds of cruelties both large and small are inflicted on the victim over the course of a marriage or dating relationship. Bodies are broken, spirits are crushed. Depending upon whose numbers you choose to believe, as many as one in four women in America will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. This year alone over 4 million women will suffer physical assault or rape at the hands of their partner. Four. Million. The most terrifying statistic of all may be the fact that 1 out of 3 female homicide victims will be murdered by a current or former partner. As the Ray Rice case is clearly bringing to light, America has a problem with domestic violence both behind closed doors and in the public forum.
Here in New Jersey, at Simoni Law Office, we take the battle against domestic violence seriously. If you are a victim of domestic violence, you have options to ensure your protection. At Simoni Law, we enforce New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, seeking restraining orders when needed and enforcing them when abusers do not follow the rules. As a client within our Firm, you will be treated with the dignity and respect you deserve, and we will handle your situation with immediate attention. We work with an eye towards the future for every victim of domestic violence who enters our office. We assist our clients in seeking Restraining Orders for their protection. We use the legal process ensure your safety, financial security, therapy (if needed), and a plan for moving forward with their life which does not include the current abuser. We provide our clients with resources for tomorrow and the years to come, providing peace of mind as well as the knowledge of a brighter future.
While it may be a scary time physically and emotionally, it may also be challenging for domestic violence victims to even afford a consultation fee without alarming her abuser. For this reason, Simoni Law offers free consultations for victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence must stop and we want to see abusers meet their consequences. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, consider contacting us for a no-cost, no-obligation private and confidential consultation to discuss your rights and options. Call us at (856) 208-1787.
NO ONE has the right to abuse their partner and NO ONE has to be a victim.
Jeffrey Kerstetter, Esquire
Of Counsel to Simoni Law Office, LLC