| It can be very difficult to report domestic violence. | | | | be grounds for providing protection. |
| Relationships are complicated, commitments can be | | | | Restraining orders may also be granted for evidence |
| hard to break, and many find that reporting the | | | | of harassment. This can be harder to prove. |
| incident will put them in danger. However, it is very | | | | However, speaking to a mental health professional |
| important that even the slightest incident of abuse is | | | | can provide creditable evidence in your case. |
| addressed. This may mean counseling. For cases | | | | The first step of obtaining this protection is to report |
| where an individual's safety is severely threatened, it | | | | the evidence. An officer should take a detailed report |
| may mean obtaining a restraining order. | | | | of the evidence. Hiring a domestic violence attorney |
| When filing with the courts, there must be evidence | | | | will expedite the process and increase the chances of |
| that a restraining order should be issued. Therefore, a | | | | receiving the order. After agreeing upon the |
| detailed account of any abuse should be well | | | | restraining agreement, a simple signature will put it |
| document. This can include evidence of physical harm. | | | | into effect. Enforcement of the restraining order may |
| A doctor's report or photographs of the injuries will | | | | prove to be difficult. However there are harsh |
| be considered evidence. Victims should be sure to | | | | punishments for abusers that break the order. These |
| keep track of and document all incidents, great and | | | | laws can further protect the safety of the victim. |
| small. Even evidence of threats of physical harm can | | | | |