Domestic Violence Representation
Attorney Chadwick has 10 years of experience working with victims of domestic violence and their families. She has litigated hundreds of cases in the district and probate courts involving domestic violence. She can provide experienced, compassionate representation for you, from obtaining a restraining order through the final divorce. If you or a loved one are being abused, please call for a consultation. If you need to speak to an advocate immediately please call one of the following:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
SAFELINK (Massachusetts statewide hotline) 1.800.785.2020
Voices Against Violence (Metro-West) 24 Hour Hotline 1.800.593.1125 or 508.626.8686
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence (Metro-West) 24 hour Hotline 1.800.899.4000
Domestic Violence Representation Services:
Obtaining a 209A Abuse Prevention Order (often referred to as a restraining order or protective order)
Divorce
Custody and support
Representation of a Victim's rights during a criminal proceeding
Helping Victims protect their privilged records
Helping domestic violence agencies protect priviliged records
Expert testimony in domestic violence cases
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is more than an isolated incident of violence; it is about pattern of behavior used by one party to exert power and control over their partner.
Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
You may be in an emotionally abusive relationship if your partner:
Calls you names, insults you or continually criticizes you.
Does not trust you and acts jealous or possessive.
Tries to isolate you from family or friends.
Monitors where you go, who you call and who you spend time with.
Does not want you to work.
Controls finances or refuses to share money.
Punishes you by withholding affection.
Expects you to ask permission.
Threatens to hurt you, the children, your family or your pets.
Humiliates you in any way.
You may be in a physically abusive relationship if your partner has ever:
Damaged property when angry (thrown objects, punched walls, kicked doors, etc.).
Pushed, slapped, bitten, kicked or choked you.
Abandoned you in a dangerous or unfamiliar place.
Scared you by driving recklessly.
Used a weapon to threaten or hurt you.
Forced you to leave your home.
Trapped you in your home or kept you from leaving.
Prevented you from calling police or seeking medical attention.
Hurt your children.
Used physical force in sexual situations.
You may be in a sexually abusive relationship if your partner:
Views women as objects and believes in rigid gender roles.
Accuses you of cheating or is often jealous of your outside relationships.
Wants you to dress in a sexual way.
Insults you in sexual ways or calls you sexual names.
Has ever forced or manipulated you into to having sex or performing sexual acts.
Held you down during sex.
Demanded sex when you were sick, tired or after beating you.
Hurt you with weapons or objects during sex.
Involved other people in sexual activities with you.
Ignored your feelings regarding sex.
If you answered 'yes' to these questions you may be in an abusive relationship; please call an advocate to speak about your situation.
(Adapted from the National Domestic Violence Hotline)