Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group
Abuse is a general term for the treatment of someone that causes some kind of harm (to the abused person, to the abusers themselves, or to someone else) that is unlawful or wrongful. No one deserves abuse, period. Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual.
and I feel so much better now that I've written it all down. I know that I can't write in a paper journal, so I will be typing it here. At least I can make it private if I want to as well! An added layer of security if H ever did catch on!
Question - if I document the abuse here, is there a possiblity that an attorney or judge would accept it as "evidence"? Especially since emotional and verbal abuse don't leave any outward signs (with the exception of a depressed face)?
I will be adding a record of abuses soon so I can always turn to there and reinforce that I am doing the right thing. eventually doing the right thing. It's not going to happen overnight or in a matter of weeks. Yet, I still have to keep the happy face -- I call it my game face.
Question - if I document the abuse here, is there a possiblity that an attorney or judge would accept it as "evidence"? Especially since emotional and verbal abuse don't leave any outward signs (with the exception of a depressed face)?
I will be adding a record of abuses soon so I can always turn to there and reinforce that I am doing the right thing. eventually doing the right thing. It's not going to happen overnight or in a matter of weeks. Yet, I still have to keep the happy face -- I call it my game face.
Record everything you can remember, dates, events, the words said, the reactions. Everything, make a complete picture.
When I went to court, and had a 3 day trial...while my journals were not allowed in as evidence, I was allowed to use them to refresh my memory as to dates and events while I gave testimony. My ex didn't know I had them ahead of time. It was very helpful. Whether or not they can be introduced as evidence is an atty question, but they will be helpful in making people believe you, like your atty, and in my case, my son's GAL. I was able to document abuse against my son.as well.
Journaling is a wonderful tool for healing, but also can be a valuable tool when you get to court.
Hugs....
Then, I created a spread sheet. (As I've said in other posts I'm an organizer. And I'm conserving what I spend on attorney. And, this was her advice.)
In the first column I recorded the date. In the second the key point of abuse. My attorney shortened/tweaked this to represent what would appeal to the Domestic Relations Judge in our county. She knows our judge is especially protective of children -- so she put that first. Starting with the worst stuff.
Then, she filed this affidavit with the motion for divorce. It gives the magistrate, judge, mediator (whomever we deal with), the background they may need.
And, he very badly wants it sealed ... NOT filed with the Clerk of Courts as public record. Can you say, LEVERAGE.
Plus, this shows that I'm not an emotional overreactor as he'd have the court believe.
And, he's admitted to me those things are true. That's validating. And, also confusing because by admission, does he think they're OK?
Use those journals.
Thanks ladies.