Separation and divorce may become a stressful period in one’s life.
Spouses may it be male or female who experience domestic family violence during their marriage in many cases report an escalation after they end the relationship. In saying that there are many others who have their very first experience with violence after the relationship closes. If your partner has been depressed, violent, moody, angry, or controlling throughout your relationship, you may notice these tendencies may strengthen as you begin to part ways with them. There are people who do not react well to the loss of control they feel when their relationship ends, especially if they have not been the ones to make the final decision to separate.
Many spouses still share the marital home during the separation process, tensions can rise, and you mayfind it almost impossible to escape the unhealthy home environment. In cases there are children also living in the home, it is not healthy for their mental well-being either and can prove to have long-lasting effects on their mental health as they grow older.
If your partner has mental health issues, and you notice these issues becoming more pronounced after separation, seek help immediately. Even if your spouse has not had problems with anger, violence, or mood disorders in the past, be aware of sudden changes in personality, and do not hesitate to seek legal or family assistance if you feel unsafe.
If you do not feel in immediate danger but worry about what the future may hold you should contact a family violence lawyer in Barrie to understand your legal rights regarding protecting yourself and your children.
Korhani Family Law Firm in Barrie Ontario understands the fear you may have, and we are here to help.
Legal Advice for Victims of Domestic Violence
Legal Aid Ontario can provide authorization for a two-hour consultation with a family law lawyer through a form called “Advice Lawyer Family Violence Authorization”. Community legal clinics, student legal aid societies, and women’s shelters should have these forms to give to abused women. Contact the women’s shelter in your community or Legal Aid Ontario (1-800-668-8258 or www.legalaid.on.ca) for the phone number and location of the legal clinic or student legal aid society nearest you.
Family Violence Initiative (Department of Justice Canada)
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/index.html
National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence.html
Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC)
Provides information on violence and violence prevention, and referrals for women and children experiencing violence.
1-877-558-5570
www.metrac.org
Legal Advice for Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence can get authorization for a free emergency two-hour appointment with a lawyer as part of Legal Aid Ontario’s services.
www.legalaid.on.ca/en/getting/type_domesticviolence.asp
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
This province-wide crisis hotline offers crisis counseling, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and legal resources. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are available in many languages.
1-866-863-0511
www.awhl.org
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Free counseling, and legal and interpreter services for women who are survivors of violence.
416-323-9149 (accepts collect calls)
www.schliferclinic.com
Victim Support Line, Ministry of the Attorney General
Counselors provide information and referral to victims of crime in Ontario, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Automated information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1-888-579-2888 (bilingual)
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/ovss/default.asp
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
Administers compensation payments to people who are victims of violent crime in Ontario.
1-800-372-7463 (bilingual)
https://tribunalsontario.ca/en/
