Abuse and domestic violence often leave scars that last beyond the physical injuries, creating emotional and mental trauma, financial hardship and a diminished sense of security for victims of this horrible crime. For many survivors of domestic violence, rebuilding their lives is a long, difficult journey that requires more than emotional and physical healing. Taking legal action through the civil justice system can play an important role in a survivor’s recovery process, providing them with the resources and justice they need to move forward with a much-needed sense of security.
Here’s how civil law can help survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives.
1. Financial Compensation for Damages
Abuse often leaves survivors with financial difficulties resulting from medical expenses, lost wages and legal fees. Criminal cases help bring the violent offender to justice and can result in their conviction and time spent in jail. However, civil lawsuits can help survivors seek financial compensation for these monetary losses, allowing them to cover the costs of medical treatment, therapy, legal fees and even relocation. The civil justice system provides a path to recover the funds necessary for a survivor to make a fresh start and recovery from this tragedy.
2. Securing Protection Orders
Civil law cases also allow survivors of domestic violence to obtain temporary protective orders or TPOs to ensure their safety from further violence. These court orders can mandate that the abuser has no contact with the survivor or her family, including staying away from their home, workplace or school.
By securing a protection order, survivors can regain a sense of security, which is essential for healing and rebuilding. Protection orders can also be used to protect children, making them a critical tool for survivors with families.
3. Addressing Child Custody and Support Issues
In situations where domestic violence involves children, civil law can be instrumental to secure custody arrangements that put the safety and well-being of the child as a top priority. Survivors can petition the court to modify existing custody agreements, limit visitation or revoke parental rights if necessary.
4. Emotional and Psychological Damages
The psychological effects of abuse—anxiety, depression, PTSD—can be just as damaging as physical injuries. In civil cases, survivors can seek compensation for emotional distress, including the costs of mental health services, such as therapy or counseling and lost wages from missing work due to mental health struggles.
The ability to cover mental health care is critical to long-term recovery, providing survivors and their families with the tools to heal emotionally and reclaim their sense of self-worth and security.
5. Holding Abusers Accountable
While criminal cases focus on punishing the abuser, civil lawsuits allow survivors to directly hold their abuser and other entities accountable for the harm they’ve inflicted. This can provide a sense of closure, empowerment and justice that the criminal justice system alone may not offer.
Civil law recognizes the personal and financial toll abuse takes on survivors and gives them a way to seek restitution for that harm.
6. Empowering Survivors to Take Control
Navigating life after abuse can feel overwhelming, but taking legal action can be empowering for survivors. The civil justice system offers a platform for them to share their story, regain control and demand justice. Filing a civil lawsuit is more than just a legal procedure—it’s a powerful step toward reclaiming their life.
7. Assisting with Long-Term Stability
Rebuilding after abuse often involves finding a new home, starting a new job, or even relocating to a new city. Civil lawsuits can help survivors recover the resources needed for these life changes. Whether it’s covering moving expenses or providing compensation for lost income, a successful civil case can provide financial stability that brings long-term safety and independence.
The civil justice system provides a powerful avenue for survivors of domestic violence to reclaim their lives. By offering financial compensation, legal protection and support, civil law can help survivors move beyond the trauma of domestic violence and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Survivors do not have to face this journey alone. The Isenberg & Hewitt team is available to help them navigate the road to recovery and find a new beginning.