Additional Information:

I recently filed charges for 2 incidents of domestic violence.   One of the incidents was about 6 months ago, the other was last weekend.  My live in boyfriend grabbed my throat and pushed me down a flight of stairs. I didn’t report the first incident because I was scared and he threatened to hurt my daughter if I told anyone.  How do I protect myself and my daughter?  We rent an apartment in Leicester. Will the landlord be required to change the locks?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

The incident that you described is very serious and you should work first with your local police to get the protection that you need. Not only should you be getting  a restraining order, criminal charges should be pursued through the police for the assault and battery. You should also, as part of the restraining order, get a support order. The next thing that you should do is to hire an attorney and pursue custody and support orders in the Probate Court. 

Leicester Domestic Violence and Family Law Attorney,  Stephen G. Morte  provides legal representation to victims of domestic violence with custody and support matters in Leicester Massachusetts and the nearby Worcester county communities including: Brookfield, North Brookfield, Charlton, Auburn, Worcester, and Holden, MA.