In 19 years, I've 4-5 DV cases where I'm truly worried. Ex has an extensive substance abuse and psych history and has threatened client ("I'll slit your throat") in front of their kids, along with having made serious suicide attempts (not "gestures", real attempts). She really, really didn't want to push for a FRO out of concern over how it would affect his employment. We entered into a civil restraints order which he openly violated just days later. I just received an email from her co-worker with photos attached that show my client has significantly under-stated the seriousness of the situation to me (not lying, just, I think in some kind of denial).
I'm scheduled to talk with her in a few minutes and am wracking my brain to think of other ways to keep her safe. I'd like her to get a home security system with a panic button, make sure 911 is on auto-dial - Is there anything else that people have thought of in these situations? I realize there's only so much that can be done, but I'd like to do all that can be done. Unfortunately, they have kids together and changing her name and social aren't an option.
This is probably a dozen times where I've seen people who legitimately need a FRO not move forward because of the ancillary consequences - "I don't want to destroy his/her life, I just want to be left alone and safe." When the only repercussion of a DV order was that the police would respond quickly and the defendant had to stay away, these concerns didn't exist. They're counterproductive, to say the very least.
Anyway, if anyone can think of additional suggestions to keep her safe, it'd be appreciated. Thanks.
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David Perry Davis, Esq.
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www.FamilyLawNJ.pro
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112 West Franklin Avenue
Pennington, NJ 08534
Voice: 609-737-2222
Fax: 609-737-3222
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