Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Originally published 10/02/2025

How can I protect my child from an abusive parent?

If you believe your child is at risk of harm from the other parent, protecting your child is a top priority. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1.      Document any abuse or concerning behavior: Keep detailed records of any incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. Make police reports.

2.      Seek a restraining order: If necessary, seek a restraining order to protect you and your child from any further abuse.

3.      Request supervised visitation: You can ask the court to order supervised visitation or to restrict the other parents’ contact with the child if there are serious safety concerns.

4.      Modify the custody order: You can seek to modify the custody order to limit or terminate the other parent's custody rights to protect the child.

In situations involving abuse and domestic violence, your child's safety is paramount. An experienced family law attorney can help you take all necessary steps to protect them from harm.

If you need immediate help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting START to 88788, or visiting https://www.thehotline.org