Category Archives: Domestic Abuse

Dangerous Divorces: Digital Threats Could Impact Your Safety

Even in the best of cases – the situations where both parties in a marriage are on agreeable terms and are in agreement regarding the important decisions to be made – divorce can be a rough situation. Unfortunately, sometimes it is far worse than that. While stalking is not necessarily present in all divorces, it is a distressingly common issue in relationships that have some element of abuse to them. And thanks to new technology and the rise of digital devices, it is now easier than ever to keep tabs on someone.

If you are in the middle of a divorce or are attempting to leave a dangerous or abusive marriage, then you should be aware of the threat that technology could pose to your safety. An experienced attorney can help keep you safe in these situations.

GPS Technology

GPS is a form of technology that tracks your location. It is particularly prevalent in smartphones and other smart devices, but there is also a plethora of small, standalone devices that can be used without your knowledge. If these are slipped into your purse, your jacket, or your car, just to give a few examples, then someone could keep tabs on your location even without access to your computer or smartphone.

You should know that the use of trackers is, in large part, illegal. That means that there are very few situations in which it is legally justifiable to use them, and if your spouse is attempting to use them to track your location, you might be able to pursue charges. It should be noted, however, that in certain situations, your spouse might be within their rights to use such a device. A vehicle that is co-owned might be an exception as your spouse is also an owner of the car and might be entitled to track the vehicle’s whereabouts. To avoid this, it is advisable to avoid using anything that your spouse might be legally able to track.

An attorney can help you determine which items these may be and how you can keep your location safe.

Spy/Monitoring Applications

In addition to GPS technology, an increasing number of individuals are turning to applications that “spy”, or monitor, another’s actions. Some of these can monitor your private text messages, your social media activity, and even your emails and spending. These applications can be installed on smartphones, computers, and tablets.

If you think that your spouse is employing the use of these applications, stop using the devices immediately and reach out to your attorney. They will be able to guide you through the next steps, whether that means giving the devices in question to law enforcement to look for evidence of the monitoring applications or something else entirely.

Experienced Divorce Lawyers in Illinois

If you are in need of a divorce attorney, reach out to Abear Law Offices today! Our experienced attorneys can help. Use our contact form for more information!

Domestic Violence and the Holidays

The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year. People spend significant amounts of money on gifts for their relatives and prepare for elaborate holiday events. Unfortunately, the holidays are not ideal for all families, as many suffer from domestic violence almost every day, even on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

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The #MeToo Movement and its Impact on People Affected by Domestic Violence

In mid-October, social media exploded with one simple hashtag: #MeToo. After the allegations against Harvey Weinstein were widely reported, thousands of people, mostly women,  expressed themselves by using #MeToo—either by simply posting the hashtag itself or by posting the hashtag along with their personal experience of sexual assault or harassment.

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Myths About Domestic Violence

Establishing a place to live with loved ones can be an exciting time in one’s life, especially if an individual has just married. However, finding oneself victim to domestic violence can result in a frightening and desperate situation.

Even though there are many organizations that have helped decrease the statistics of domestic violence, far too many cases are still in existence. Domestic violence is a serious issue that has often been taken too lightly.

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Domestic Violence Statistics in Illinois

Being the victim of domestic violence is one of the worst situations a person can experience. Hence, it is essential that domestic violence victims, and those with loved ones affected by domestic violence, be aware of available support systems in his or her geographical location.

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Domestic Violence and Divorce: Protecting Yourself and Your Children

The news never seems to have a shortage of homicides stemming from a divorce. One of the more recent involves the death of a mother and her two children. Although police have yet to confirm who is responsible for the deaths, they have stated that the woman was going through a divorce.

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Domestic Abuse and the Elderly

Domestic abuse takes many different forms. Abusers commonly employ a variety of tactics, both physical and psychological, to exert their control over their victims. While help is available for those suffering from domestic abuse, many never seek help or even report the crimes committed against them. Unfortunately, seniors in America are frequently the victims of many forms of domestic violence and abuse, and many of them suffer in silence. Only one out of every 24 cases of domestic abuse against seniors is ever reported. What is elder abuse, and why is preventing it so important?

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Children: The Often Forgotten Victims of Domestic Violence

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, some 10 million children in the United States are witnesses to domestic violence between their parents or guardians each year. Parents often believe that children are not affected by domestic violence occurring within the home, but that assumption could not be more false. Even if a child does not witness the abuse in person, simply living in an abusive environment can be harmful. In fact, domestic violence within a home can affect children in many negative ways. Children living around abuse are more likely to be abused themselves, become abusers later in life, and may suffer from many other emotional and behavioral problems.

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How to Extend an Order of Protection

Some divorces and domestic splits become violent and threatening, with one spouse or partner placing the other in fear of physical harm to him- or herself or some other person. Sometimes the abuser will threaten harm to him- or herself. All of this behavior is, at its core, an attempt to assert power and control over a person or process the abuser feels he or she no longer has control over. Domestic violence and abuse can traumatize the victim, interfering with his or her daily life and any work-related and/or parental duties he or she might have. It can also negatively affect children and is even thought to cause health problems in pets.

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