Vigo County Child Abuse Lawyer
If you believe your child is being abused by your former partner, you need to take action to protect them from further harm. Contact a child abuse attorney in Vigo County for help.
The last thing you would expect from your partner or former partner is for them to put your child in harm’s way. Abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, and emotional or psychological abuse, to name a few. Any of these are unacceptable to inflict upon a child, or anyone for that matter. As your child’s parent, it’s up to you to take appropriate action.
At Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm, we understand that you might be unsure how to move forward. For this reason, we are prepared to fight for your legal right to keep your children safe. Don’t let them endure abuse for another moment. Secure a Vigo county child abuse lawyer who can help keep their abuser at a safe distance so your children aren’t subjected to suffering any more than they already have.
Warning Signs of Abuse in Children
You and your former spouse or significant other might have had a difficult separation or divorce, but that doesn’t mean that they’re abusing your children. Signs of abuse can manifest in a variety of ways. A few of the red flags you should look out for that could indicate your child has been abused include one or more of the following:
- A loss or gain of appetite
- Bruises, burns or broken bones
- Social isolation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Feelings of self-harm
- Substance abuse
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
It’s important to note that if your child is exhibiting just one of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is the victim of abuse. But, a child who is showing multiple warning signs is a situation that should be taken seriously.
Speak with your child privately to determine what’s been going on and, when necessary, enlist the help of a skilled mental health counselor who can help your child overcome what they’ve been through.
Protecting Your Child From Further Abuse
If you believe your child has suffered abuse at the hands of their other parent, you’ll need to take steps to protect your child from subsequent harm. If you do not have an existing child custody or visitation order, you are not obligated by law to allow your children to continue visiting their other parent. In fact, keeping them home while you obtain an order would be well-advised.
When a current child custody or visitation order stands, you’re required to continue allowing your children to attend their regularly scheduled visits. However, this doesn’t mean you’re unable to take any action.
First, file a petition to modify your current order. During this time, reach out to law enforcement as well, so they can begin investigating. Finally, take your children to their pediatrician and a pediatric mental health counselor for an evaluation.
This information will become paramount to your case when you file a petition to modify your child custody or visitation order, as you’ll need to establish why modifying the existing order is in the child’s best interest. Your family lawyer in Vigo County will be by your side every step of the way to help you secure your children’s safety.
Consult a Vigo County Child Abuse Attorney
Abuse by a parent is something that should never be tolerated. When you need help protecting your children from further abuse, get help from a Vigo County child abuse lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm.
You can give our office a call at 1-812-232-7400 or fill out the quick contact form below to schedule your initial consultation today.
