Shelter in Place and Domestic Abuse

It’s already tough enough for most people to acclimate to the shelter-in-place order that has been issued in the state of Colorado. Not being able to leave our homes can quickly become stale and stressful. Sure, for a few days, not having to go into work was probably pretty nice, assuming you weren’t deemed an essential employee. But that novelty quickly wears off and if you’ve been on the internet, you’ve likely seen that some people are trying to combat boredom in strange ways.

For some, the shelter-in-place order is an inconvenience. For others, it’s a nightmare realized. There are new victims of domestic abuse every day and they often feel trapped in their situations with nowhere to turn. Now, with shelter-in-place and social distancing, they really have nowhere to turn, nor hide. They are forced to live with their abusers and constantly walk on eggshells. the few moments going to the store, or the few hours at work, were probably the only thing they looked forward to.

It’s easy to say they should just leave, or call for help, but victims of domestic abuse simply don’t have those luxuries. They fear for themselves, or for those they love who may be harmed in the crossfire. Constantly being locked down with a malignant and malevolent force simply removes and respite they may have once had and increases the frequency of being abused.

Colorado is a no-fault state, which means that victims of domestic abuse cannot use that as a means to get a divorce; however, they simply need to say that things are not working and that the marriage is beyond repair. It may seem near impossible to get out of a situation where you are being abused, but you need to take that leap; you will be protected and make it out alright.

To anyone you think may be abused, or if you yourself are the victim of domestic abuse in Colorado: please, seek help. Call our offices immediately and we will do all we can to help you through the incredibly confusing and scary time so that you can return to normalcy without fear of mental and/or physical harm from a significant other. Contact us immediately to speak with a Colorado Springs family law attorney so that we can assist and get you out of a dangerous confinement.