Family Violence Lawyer Toronto
Separation may become a difficult time for some people. Changes in family life can add stress and anxiety to family members.
Many spouses who experience domestic violence during the relationship report an escalation after separation, while many others have their very first experience with violence after the relationship closes. If your spouse has been depressed, violent, moody, angry, or controlling during your relationship, you may notice these tendencies worsening as you begin the end of your relationship. Some spouses 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.
Spouses may still share the marital home during the separation process, tensions can rise, and spouses can find it almost impossible to escape the unhealthy home environment. If there are children also living under the roof, 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.
Spouses may still share the marital home during the separation process, tensions can rise, and spouses can find it almost impossible to escape the unhealthy home environment. If there are children also living under the roof, 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.
Options for Married Spouses
If you are married, you can apply to the court under s. 24(1) of Ontario’s Family Law Act (FLA), for exclusive possession of the marital home, temporarily until you and your spouse have resolved the issues relating to your separation or divorce and secured new accommodations.
Speak To A Family Violence Lawyer in Toronto
If you do not feel in immediate danger but worry about what the future may hold you should contact a family violence lawyer in Toronto to understand your legal rights regarding protecting yourself and your children.
Korhani Family Law Firm in Toronto understands the fear you may have, and we are here to help.
Domestic Violence Resources
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/
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