Domestic Violence Attorney in Vancouver, Washington

Domestic violence is a heinous act that most often happens behind closed doors. Domestic violence refers to the form of abuse that occurs between intimate partners as well as family and household members.  

Our domestic violence attorney at Keystone Family Law has seen the consequences of violent tensions and abuse in families and households in Vancouver, Washington, and other cities in Clark County. Our law firm is committed to providing victims of domestic violence with the personalized and compassionate representation they need during this difficult time. We will work tirelessly to give you peace of mind and safety and help regain a sense of normalcy in your life.  

Domestic Violence in Washington

The law in Washington provides a very broad interpretation of the term “domestic violence.” In the state, you are a victim of domestic violence if a member of your family or household causes you: 

• Bodily injury 

• Physical harm 

• Assault  

• Fear of bodily injury, physical harm, or assault 

This definition of domestic violence encompasses a number of acts, including but not limited to: 

• Assault 

• Stalking 

• Harassment 

• Coercion  

• Kidnapping 

• Sexual abuse 

• Emotional abuse 

• Physical abuse 

The gender of the victim is not relevant, as both women and men may be subject to domestic violence. Acts of domestic violence may be committed by current and former spouses and romantic partners, adults related by blood, and other members of the same household or family.  

What to Do if You Become a Victim of Domestic Violence

Being a victim of domestic violence is always scary and emotionally devastating. Often, those who experience the abuse committed by members of their household or family do not know what to do or where to turn for help. Below are some of the steps to take if you have been abused to protect yourself and your children: 

1. Call 911. Do not be afraid to contact the police and report domestic violence. The police have the responsibility of ensuring that victims of domestic violence are safe by arresting an alleged abuser.  

2. Seek medical attention. After you report the incident to the police, you need to visit a hospital or emergency room to document your injuries. If the doctor asks about how you got hurt, do not be afraid to tell the truth, as doing so will strengthen your future case against the abuser.  

3. Have an exit strategy. If domestic violence happened once, it could happen again. Domestic violence is rarely a one-time incident, which is why it is essential to have an exit strategy in place.  

4. Find a safe place to stay. If you fear for your safety or the safety of your kids, do not stay at home. Ask your friends or family members to stay at their place until the situation is resolved. In many cases, the victim may have to stay away from their home until the court issues a protective order that requires the abuser to move out of the house.  

5. Find support and counseling. Domestic violence can be both physically and emotionally traumatizing. Finding support and counseling after being a victim of domestic violence can help them cope with the situation and find the strength to move forward and rebuild their lives.  

6. Contact an attorney. A domestic violence lawyer will listen to your needs and provide you with the personalized attention you deserve.   

Our attorney at Keystone Family Law understands the danger you are in after being a victim of domestic violence. That is why we are prepared to go above and beyond in our efforts to help you secure an immediate order of protection.  We know that domestic violence is a delicate and sensitive matter and we treat it as such. 

How We Can Help if You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an unfortunate reality in many homes across Washington state. Many instances of domestic violence go unreported because victims fear repercussions. At Keystone Family Law, we wholeheartedly believe that no one should ever tolerate domestic violence of any kind.  

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, our attorney can assist you with making the necessary arrangements to ensure your safety. We can also guide you through the process of obtaining a protective order to stop all further acts of violence and prohibit the abuser from contacting you or coming anywhere near you. Our domestic violence attorney in Vancouver, Washington, is committed to aggressively protecting each client we represent and tenaciously fighting for justice on their behalf.