On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Family Law on Friday, March 6, 2015.
Family law covers a wide range of legal matters, including divorce, child custody and prenuptial agreements. While these are perhaps the most common and well-known practices of family law, domestic violence may be the most important because of the potential drastic consequences. This is not to understate the serious impact that a divorce or custody agreement can have on a family, but to raise awareness about a family issue that may not be widely recognized.
We recently talked about the options available to domestic violence victims in Missouri, but it?s possible that some do not recognize what a serious threat domestic violence is. If you are not in a relationship, you may feel that domestic violence does not concern you, but it is important to remember that domestic violence does not only apply to marriages or partnerships. Any family unit can experience domestic violence, no matter the age or circumstances.
A small town in Missouri called Tyrone was recently shocked to its core when a man shot and killed seven people, including himself and two couples to whom he was related through marriage. There is little indication about the motives or reasons behind the massacre, but the shooter did have a criminal record. He served a year in prison for possession of a gun while smoking marijuana.
This tragic story puts into perspective the reality that not all domestic violence is the result of a man or woman abusing his or her significant other. In this instance, a brother seems to have snapped, and his siblings paid the price for it. If anyone in your family has mistreated you or your loved ones, do not hesitate to call the authorities and consult with an attorney. Victims of domestic violence have the law on their side.
Source: KSPR, “TRYONE SHOOTING: Domestic violence takes its toll on a small town,” Rachel Dubrovin, Tony Nguyen, Feb. 28, 2015
