Domestic Violence Cases on the Rise in Michigan

As Grand Rapids divorce lawyers with decades of combined experience, we see couples decide to split for a wide range of different reasons. Unfortunately, physical and emotional abuse by one spouse often underlies the decision. 

Domestic violence cases are increasing across Michigan, according to new data from the state police. The data show that the number of people victimized by domestic violence has jumped by some 45 percent in the last two years.

“What’s prominent is domestic violence affects every single household in one form or fashion and that is either someone is directly suffering from the effects of the emotional, physical, sexual, psychological abuse or employers are dealing with the aftermath of families having to work with their loved ones because they’re losing their homes,” 

Candy Gomez, a legal advocate for Catherine Cobb Safe House, recently told The Daily Telegram.

“They’re losing their jobs, they’re losing their children, just losing themselves in of themselves as a whole because of the trauma that domestic violence causes,” Gomez added.

The state police tracker shows that nearly 65,000 people across the state were victims of domestic abuse in 2020. That is up from about 45,000 in 2018, according to The Daily Telegram.  

National data also show how extensive the domestic violence problem is across the country. One out of every four women and about one in seven men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

Do Not Go it Alone: Our Grand Rapids Divorce Lawyers Can Help

The new data show just how common domestic violence is in many households. But it does not track the wide range of mental, emotional, and even financial abuse that can also wreck families.

Tragically, many people who are being abused feel like they are trapped in their marriages and have no way out. 

The good news is that people can take steps to stop domestic abuse and protect themselves and their kids. That includes obtaining a restraining order banning your abuser from coming near you, threatening you, or possessing a weapon. Parents can also go to court to change child custody and visitation arrangements due to domestic violence.  

It is important to know that you do not need to go it alone. An experienced family law attorney can help you end your marriage and resolve a wide range of related issues.

At Kraayeveld Law, we have decades of combined experience helping people efficiently untangle their marriages and resolve related issues, such as child custody, visitation, and support, as well as alimony and asset division. A Grand Rapids family lawyer at our firm will guide you through the legal process, taking the time to understand your unique needs and crafting a legal strategy tailored to your specific goals.

Call 616-285-0808 or contact us online to make an appointment to speak with a Grand Rapids family lawyer about your situation.