http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep en-us The information is not presented as a source of legal advice. You should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made within the Web site or by any externally referenced Internet sites. If you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely in the course of your legal affairs, consult a competent, independent attorney. http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/legal-disclaimer http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/legal-disclaimer I tell my clients that they cannot afford to risk more problems by being an activist to change the world during their custody cases. After the case is over, there will be plenty of time to do the important work of organizing coalitions, seeking publicity about damaging judges and unjust outcomes, and trying to change the law and the reality. Right now, while seeking a support group is a good idea, they, and you, need to focus on what you can do to maximize the chances for success in your custody case. http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/custody-cases-protecting-children-from-child-abuse http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/custody-cases-protecting-children-from-child-abuse Domestic violence may arise as an issue in court cases addressing a range of issues. For example:An abused woman seeks child support or an order of protection during a divorce An abused women seeks a restraining order because of harassment at her job, her child’s school, her home, or the home of a relative An abuser seeks changes in custody or visitation An abused person seeks supervised or limited visitation of the abuser The court seeks to terminate the parental rights of the abused, the abuser, or both due to alleged physicalabuse of the children The court seeks to terminate the parental rights of the abused, the abuser, or both due to alleged failure to protect the children from abuse An abused person seeks money damages for physical and mental injury from abuse. http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/legal-momentum-domestic-violence-and-child-custody-legal-resource-kit http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/legal-momentum-domestic-violence-and-child-custody-legal-resource-kit Battered women have spoken repeatedly about the loss of custody as the greatest threat in their lives, saying that it is more painful than the physical violence they have suffered. This booklet is intended to be used by battered women who are representing themselves, without an attorney, in court cases involving child custody. http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/managing-your-divorce-a-guide-for-battered-women http://www.sfvo.org/info/custody-abuse/case-prep/managing-your-divorce-a-guide-for-battered-women