In the eyes of New York State law, physical abuse or neglect, sexual, and emotional abuse are all legally actionable forms of injury.
A very difficult topic to discuss, and in many cases, even acknowledge, is abuse. The line over which a person should never cross can easily be blurred in relationships due to culture or even religious beliefs. However, in the eyes of New York State law, physical abuse or neglect, sexual, and emotional abuse are all legally actionable forms of injury.
Realistically however, it is more common that those being abused feel unable or powerless to not only change their desperate condition, but more to the point, escape it. Abusive relationships are extremely unhealthy and while a person may be intellectually aware that abuse is occurring, strong emotions – love, fear, pain, disbelief – can be paralyzing and often make action nearly impossible.
Physical Abuse: Non-accidental injury ranging from bruises to broken bones to internal injuries.
Physical Neglect: Failure to provide food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medical care or education.
Sexual Abuse: The committal of a sexual offense against a minor including rape and sodomy, or the failure to prevent it from happening at the hands of someone else.
Emotional Abuse: Torture, confinement, use of abusive language, and withholding positive physical and emotional contact which every child needs.
Marnell Law Group's staff experienced legal professionals with years of knowledge relating to all forms of abuse, and also maintain professional relationships with supportive organizations that can help safely, and if necessary, completely discreetly mitigate abusive situations, be they spousal, or even, child abuse. We have the experience to provide the support needed to regain safety and stable footing.
The Unimaginable Reality of Child Abuse
As many parents entrust their children with family members, day care providers, nannies, teachers and coaches, the truth – while unimaginable, is that child abuse does sadly occur.
Every parent’s duty and responsibility is to protect their children from all forms of abuse (physical, emotional or sexual), so should you suspect that harm is being done to your child, please address it expeditiously. Contact the authorities or local Child Protective Services agency and consider seeking legal counsel.
Alternately, our team of attorneys has experience representing those falsely accused of abusing another family member—be it a child or spouse. These allegations can come from anyone, including a former spouse, family member, neighbor or your child’s teacher or care provider. Regardless, any allegation of child abuse in New York State is taken very seriously.
When Spouses’ Emotions Lead to Abuse
Human emotions, even without disagreement, can often be a challenging maze to navigate. As discussions become more heated, some individuals cannot contain their feelings, often leading to physical attacks on another. While unacceptable in every way, domestic violence should not be taken lightly, nor should it be swept under the rug with excuses. Emotional spouses can quickly move beyond hurtful words and physical attacks, and begin to stalk, withhold money, limit access to friend and family, intimidate, and in short, take complete control of another human being.
As each person has an absolute right to live in safety—especially in their own homes—our job becomes even more critical. As family law practitioners, we’re trained to know the signs and more importantly, we know how far things can go without intervention and support. By seeking legal counsel through Marnell Law Group, P.C., you add a dedicated team of legal experts and network of support to your personal arsenal to enable you to take back your life. At the core of every case we handle are clients who deserve support, respect, dignity and sensitivity. And that is what we deliver: Client Centered, Client Focused Care®.
*If you are the victim of abuse, seek help immediately. Contact the authorities and consider speaking with an attorney.