Ideally, your partner will be the person who provides you with a sense of safety and fulfillment. However, your partner may be someone who simply tries to control you or use you for your money or anything else of value that you possess. If you are in a toxic or abusive relationship, California law provides a variety of ways to escape your torment.
Abuse can take many forms
You may believe you aren’t being abused because your partner doesn’t hit you. However, your partner may belittle you to erode your self-esteem, which is considered emotional abuse. If your partner doesn’t let you work or have a bank account, you may be the victim of financial abuse. Depending on the circumstances of your relationship, your partner may be engaging in multiple types of domestic violence.
Getting out of an abusive relationship
State law allows you to seek a divorce for any reason with or without your spouse’s permission. Therefore, you are free to leave even if your spouse threatens to ignore divorce paperwork or orders from the court demanding a response to your request to end your marriage. You may also be able to apply for a restraining order to create space between yourself and someone who wishes to harm you. Your friends, family members or colleagues may also provide resources to help you leave a toxic relationship.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may be entitled to financial support from your spouse in a divorce settlement. Furthermore, if you share children with your spouse or partner, it may be possible to terminate that person’s parental rights. In such a scenario, you would likely receive child support.
