If you’ve been a victim of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or some other abuse, the courts can help provide you some protection from the perpetrator. The following are two options available, depending on your situation. A 50B refers to a Domestic Violence Protection Order, while a 50C refers to a…
Articles Posted in domestic violence
Afghanistan: What I Worry About
By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, Domestic Violence ActivistGreetings Ask Carolyn readers, as we prepare for Domestic Violence Awareness next month, I write to express concern for violence against women and children remaining in Afghanistan. I have researched the topic, and I share my references at the end of this blog. So many of the themes of domestic…
Ask Carolyn: August 2, 2018
Carolyn WoodruffDear Readers, today we have another Lolita story, and unfortunately, this kind of story is more common than you might think. The second question concerns an aging parent, who is perhaps incompetent. Dear Carolyn, I am in a book club with a group of women. One of the women in…
Ask Carolyn: July 19, 2018
Carolyn WoodruffDear Readers, two of you submitted very exciting questions in frequently misunderstood areas in the nuances of family law. Question one deals with custody as part of a Chapter 50B domestic violence protective order. The second question deals with cohabitation when you are the recipient of alimony under an order…
Ask Carolyn: July 5, 2018
Carolyn WoodruffToday’s Ask Carolyn addresses the marriage of minor children in the United States and a domestic violence situation involving parents who won’t allow their 20-year-old to move out. Dear Carolyn, I am concerned about an article I recently read concerning underage girls as young as 12 and 13 years old marrying…
Recognizing Abusive Relationships
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, I am married for the second time. My first husband, who I divorced, was physically and verbally abusive. I got out. The problem is I am right back in a miserable, abusive relationship—although quite different. This second husband (and might I add my last husband) is quite controlling…
My Abusive Ex Wants Visitation. What do I do?
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, I am a 35-year-old woman with two small children (a daughter and a son), a puppy, and a cat. I am now separated. My “ex-husband” kicks and tortures the puppy, and I do not know why. The puppy cries and then the children, who witness the violence, cry. …
Cyberstalked by the Ex-Spouse
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn: My ex-spouse is harassing me with emails and text messages. This ex is saying very mean, nasty things and calling me names. It just won’t stop. I hate to give up my cell phone number and my email address, as it would be quite complicated to change. I…
Confronting Child Sexual Abuse
Carolyn WoodruffIn honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, today I’m posting an excerpt from Ask Carolyn 2 that addresses one survivor’s struggle with the secrecy of childhood sexual abuse and her search for closure. Dear Carolyn, I am now 32, and my sister is 35. We were both molested by our…
5 More Crazy Divorce Stories
Venn CrawfordOne of my most popular posts last month was about crazy divorce stories, including the incredible saga that was the Wee Man’s Chronic Tacos custody hearing. Since so many people have been enjoying them, I’ve dug around the internet and found five more crazy divorce stories to delight and appall…