Anytime people have become victims of domestic violence, whether physical, emotional or sexual, they should take the following steps to protect themselves:

1.  Call 911 or the police.  It is important that people report instances of domestic abuse to law enforcement and also make sure that police reports are filed.

2.  Get medical help.  People who have suffered injuries as a result of domestic violence should always seek treatment for their wounds.

3.  Seek safety.  Instead of remaining in a house with an abusive individual, a victim should stay with a close family member or friend. 

4.  Speak with a family lawyer and get a restraining order.  One of the best things people can do when they have been subjected to abuse from an intimate partner or family member is to get help from a lawyer that can secure a restraining order.  This will keep abusers from contacting or harassing victims.

People who have been abused in domestic environments should retain the services of a Riverside family law attorney.  Contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young if you have been a victim of domestic abuse and would like to obtain a restraining order in Riverside.

Recently, it was announced that four counties in the state of California will be rolling out a brand new software system.  Eventually, it is believed that the system will link all domestic violence records throughout the state.

The counties:  Marin, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Orange, have agreed to participate in a pilot program.  The software is expected to provide a searchable database of restraining orders that have been scanned.  Last week, Marin was the first county to start using the system.

This new registry will not only track domestic abuse cases, but also elder abuse, harassment and even juvenile cases.  The California Courts Protective Order Registry was created after an order was issued by the state judiciary.  It is hoped that that the Registry will help judges create protective orders that are standard across county lines.

By the end of 2013, it is anticipated that the system will track restraining orders in all 58 California counties.

If you are a domestic violence victim in Riverside, now is the time to contact the Law Offices of Michael Young and discuss your options with a Riverside family lawyer.

If you are going through a tumultuous family law matter, such as domestic violence, you may find that you are in need of a restraining order.  In the state of California, there are several different types of restraining orders for you to choose from and they are detailed further below:

-   Emergency Protective Order:  this order is valid for 5 days and is issued by police.  Usually, victims of domestic abuse seek this type of order.

-   Criminal Protective Order: people who wish to obtain this type of order will have to go through the District Attorney's Office.  This order is commonly issued when a person is a victim of domestic violence and wishes to have zero contact with the abuser.

-   Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order:  this order is valid for 3 weeks.  However, people can request for this order to remain intact for 1 - 3 years, which is helpful for those who have been harassed or assaulted.

-   Civil Harassment Restraining Order:  this order is used to put an end to any type of harassment, from menacing phone calls to stalking.

For more information on restraining orders, contact the Law Offices of Michael R. Young to arrange to speak with a Riverside family lawyer.

An Ohio woman has been charged with domestic violence after being accused of assaulting a woman in her home. According to the Springfield Police Division, Judith Lippott threw coffee on the victim and then pushed her to the floor.

This case is interesting for two reasons:

1. It’s not very often that you hear of woman-on-woman domestic violence cases. It's usually a man abusing a woman, or a woman abusing a child. But rarely is it a woman abusing another woman.
2. Most domestic violence cases center around people in the same family or in a sexual relationship. It’s not often that you hear of domestic violence against roommates, but the very definition of domestic violence includes abuse committed against any member of the same household, regardless of their relationship to the offender.

This case also proves that domestic violence can affect anyone and be perpetrated by anyone. It’s proof that domestic violence is not just a male-dominated crime or a crime committed between quarreling lovers, but that women are just as capable of inflicting violence and that violence can be inflicted against other people besides family members.

If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, it’s important to ask for help. Many people do not step forward and seek help, either due to embarrassment, shame, or the simple fact they don’t want to instigate trouble. If you are being abused, you deserve better. At the Law Offices of Michael R. Young, a Riverside domestic violence attorney can help you put an end to the violence and seek the protection you need by filing for a restraining order or an order of protection. For more information about our services, please contact the office by calling (866) 902-5290.

Domestic violence continues to haunt millions of people throughout the United States every day, and unfortunately it continues to go unreported.  Many victims of domestic violence never report the violence and abuse, usually because they are afraid of making the situation worse or because they believe the violence and abuse is going to stop. Sadly, the abuse doesn’t stop and the cycle of abuse continues to turn.  If you suspect someone you know is being abused, neglected or mistreated, there are signs you can look for that may indicate domestic violence.  These signs include:

• Personality changes, such as depression, acting withdrawn, etc.
• Low self-esteem
• Self-blame, being overly apologetic
• Absences from work or school
• Injuries or bruises, especially black eyes, red or purple markings around the neck or arm, sprained wrists or ankles, broken ribs, etc.
• Constant excuses for new injuries or bruises
• Trying to hide or cover up injuries or bruises
• Not having an opinion, being indecisive or passive, or not knowing how one feels
• Lack of friends, or being isolated from friends, relatives, and coworkers

If you notice these signs in a friend or loved one, try asking if there is something wrong and if they want to talk about it. Often times, victims of domestic violence don’t talk about what’s going on at home because they are ashamed to bring it up or don’t know how to bring it up. By reaching out to them, you will let your friend or loved one know it’s okay to let the walls come down and get the help they need.  There is a chance your friend will not talk about what’s happening at home, and never will.  In these situations, there are still ways you can get your friend or loved one the help he or she needs. To learn more, contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young.  As an experienced Riverside domestic violence attorney, Mr. Young has helped many clients obtain protection and relief from violence and abuse, and would be happy to help you in any way he can.

Lately it seems like domestic violence has become a popular topic in the media.  The incident that took place in February between singers Chris Brown and Rihanna made national headlines, and continues to make headlines nearly 10 months later.  Domestic violence has also been rumored in the Tiger Woods scandal.  It was reported that Woods’ wife Elin chased Tiger out of the house with a golf club, bashing in his car window before Tiger eventually crashed into a tree.  Saturday Night Live made a skit about the incident between Tiger and his wife, one that was met with much controversy.  And promotional footage for the new MTV reality show Jersey Shore shows a female cast member getting punched in the face by a man at a bar.  That footage has now been pulled from the air and will be used in an anti-domestic violence campaign.

While all the attention being paid to domestic violence is good way to raise awareness, we shouldn’t forget that domestic violence begins at home, and there are things we can do to reduce the rate of violence and abuse.

First, if you or a loved one is being abused, threatened, or mistreated, REPORT IT!  So many instances of domestic violence and abuse go unreported.  By filing a complaint with the police or contacting an experienced domestic violence attorney, the appropriate steps can be taken to stop the violence.  An attorney can also help you file for a restraining order.  

If you are someone who feels angry, and you have found yourself wanting lash out at loved ones, get the help you need. Whether you speak with a therapist or just to a friend, openly discussing what is making you angry can help you work through the anger issues you are experiencing before they manifest into physical violence.

If you are a parent, teach your children about violence, and talk to them about how violence, abuse, and making verbal assaults is not the way to get what you want or how to resolve a problem. Although bad behavior is often learned at home, it is also the place where good behavior starts.

Family violence experts say that holiday stress can lead to incidents of domestic violence and abuse, especially when a there is a history of domestic violence in the family.

“There are definitely unique stresses that come on during the holiday season. And particularly now in times of an economic downturn, where families are stretched thin,” said Brian O’Connor of the Family Violence Protection Fund.

O’Connor stated that he does not believe the holiday season itself causes domestic violence to occur, but rather the emotions the holiday season can easily stir up. 

“The holiday season and just the overall pace of it, that really compounds some of the deeper-seeded issues around, say, a history of violence.”

O’Connor also said the pressure to constantly be happy, cheerful, and have fun also has a tendency to intensify violence.

Gift giving is another factor that may lead to incidents of violence.  When one feels pressure to spend money on gifts, but is strapped for cash, he or she may take out his or her frustrations by committing abuse or acts of violence against loved ones.