Domestic violence is no small problem; according to the Texas Council on Family Violence, in 2009 alone, 111 women were killed in Texas as the result of domestic violence. Nearly 200,000 family violence incidents were reported in the state. However, domestic violence does not only affect spouses; children can also be victims.
Tragedy in Houston
A tragic reminder of this came in late September, when three children from the Houston area were killed by their father. The parents of the children had separated and their mother had obtained a protective order against their father. However, he still had visitation rights and the children stayed with him every other weekend.
The accounts of the situation vary; the mother claims that she had clearly documented evidence of the father's propensity toward violence against the children, while the children's attorney claims that these tendencies were not known. Regardless, the children were placed into his care where they were clearly unsafe. Nothing can bring back these children - but their stories can serve as a warning for other parents and victims of family violence.
Protective Orders in Separation or Divorce
When parents are separating or divorcing, it is critical that any information regarding abuse or violence is revealed. The court will be reluctant to place the children in the hands of a potentially harmful parent, but a judge can only act based on the information available. Proof of potential abuse of a child or violence toward a child can be a crucial factor in determining child custody.
In situations involving abuse, a protective order can be an effective tool to address and prevent domestic violence. A protective order for a child can keep an abusive parent from coming into contact with children and committing further acts of family violence. Additionally, it can help document abuse, which may come into play when determining child custody.
For the victims of family violence, it is important to have support and advice. If you have been the victim of family violence, or fear that your spouse may become violent during divorce proceedings, speak with a reputable Houston family law attorney.
