In a match involving two fighters competing for a championship belt, it would be unusual to see one of the athletes standing around helplessly, while his opponent strikes him. If you were a professional fighter, you would no doubt keep your defenses up and counter your opponent’s attacks. However, when the issue of assault arises, the unfortunate reality is that many people react passively to this crime – like the imaginary fighter who leaves himself open without any reaction to his opponent. First of all, the victim may be so fearful for their safety that they may decide to keep quiet. Then there are those who dismiss the victim’s claims as an exaggeration, or even worse, those who try to cover up their case and label them as false allegations.
Although there are frequent reports which involve assaults, there’s a great number of cases which go unreported or receive no attention. If you or a family member have been assaulted, then you no doubt understand the reality of these crimes and the impact they have on your life and well-being. If you have been silent about it, you should make it a priority to let others know about the incident. Without the need to divulge into the effects, what matters most is how you can overcome the trauma of such injuries and return to your life as usual, without fear. One of the best ways to accomplish a transition from a state of anxiety to a state of recovery is with the involvement of a law firm who has experience with assault cases. Dealing with the consequences of an assault on your own is a quick way to long-term isolation, but you can prevent this with a lawyer’s help.
The Three-Step Process to Recovery
There are many things you can do to overcome the trauma that an assault brings on, but you can simplify the process into three parts. It’s understandable that the healing process is never an easy one, but you can make it manageable. When you know who to confide in and the resources available to you, a recovery is likely, as opposed to not taking any action. Remember, before you follow any of these steps, it’s essential that you address your immediate medical needs. Whether this requires a visit to a doctor, clinic, or emergency room, make sure that you receive an examination to treat the injuries you sustain. This is very important, because what may seem like a minor bruise or scrape can actually lead to dire consequences.
Inform Those Who Are Close To You
Pulling a friend or family member aside and telling them that you have been assaulted is probably the most difficult part of your recovery. If you don’t have the desire to share the incident with those who are close to you, there could be some underlying reasons why you feel the need to keep these details hidden. In terms of security, you might not at all feel safe, especially if your attacker threatened you.
However, the biggest reasons are often emotional, and you might feel fearful, angry, anxious, and even confused. If you can relate to these feelings, it’s important to understand that you will receive the fullest support from those who care for you – but they can only do this if you open up to them.
Who to Open Up to:
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Family Members/Close Friends – Your loved ones will provide the most support for you when it comes to your emotional needs. This is especially important if the nature of your assault is severe and has the potential to disrupt your life now and in the future. Opening up to those you live and speak with everyday can relieve a great amount of anxiety, and this will help you cope with further challenges if they arise.
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Support Groups – Another set of individuals you should speak to are those involved with a support group. Sometimes, it’s easier sharing certain details with those who have dealt with the same issues as yourself, since they can empathize easier than anyone else. They can impart advice on how to deal with the emotions that follow an assault which you can heed. However, it is recommended that you consult personal injury lawyers before you reach out to a support group.
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Therapist/Counsellor – If you feel a great deal of distress despite the help you receive from others, then you may need to consult a professional therapist or counsellor. There are times when you can only conquer deep psychological issues with the help of effective therapy. Again, it is wise to speak with personal injury lawyers before you involve a therapist.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm
Once you have addressed your injuries and informed your family, the next step is to consult a personal injury law firm. As a victim of assault, it is your right to receive legal support and the satisfaction that your attacker is brought to justice. During the difficult time that follows an assault, it’s important that you feel supported not only by those you love, but also by those who can offer you protection and reassurance.
What a Personal Injury Law Firm Does For You:
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Represent you in Court – The primary responsibility of lawyers will be to ensure that the court hears your case, so that your attackers are held accountable for their crimes. This is one of your basic rights as a citizen, and the lawyers you speak with will make sure that those rights are honoured.
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Ensure you Receive Compensation – You can also expect to receive compensation if you sustain injuries – whether they are physical or emotional – so that you can recover to the best of your ability. This compensation can include financial aid as well as access to medical facilities.
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Provide Future Assistance if Necessary – If your safety becomes an issue and you feel threatened, you can also count on the law to protect you until the threat is eliminated. Personal injury lawyers can see to it that there is adequate law enforcement to make this possible.
Benefits of Legal Representation:
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Return to a Normal Routine Faster – If you were to ignore the effects of an assault, you could find yourself on a path that leads to alienation, depression, and physical negligence that would make your recovery slow or even impossible. However, a law firm’s assistance provides you with the tools needed so that you don’t find yourself on such a course.
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Emotional Reassurance – It’s also important that you feel safe and confident. When the threat of another attack or feelings of neglect befall you, the freedom to live without excess worry disappears. However, when you involve the law, you can breathe easier so-to-speak and engage in your activities with a clear mind.
A Personal Injury Law Firm Represents those Affected by:
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Physical Assault (Simple Assault with no involvement of weapons or objects)
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Aggravated Assault
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Sexual Assault
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Civil Assaults
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Bar/Club Assaults
Tune Into Yourself
You have most likely heard the adage, “help me help you”. If you are an assault victim, it doesn’t imply that you bear most of the burden on your shoulders. However, there are some practical things you can do to stay healthy, motivate yourself, and prevent future incidents from happening. Although no one deserves to be assaulted, there are some valuable things one can learn from these incidents.
Keep an Eye Out for:
Physical/Mental Health: Immediately after an assault, you should pay careful attention to any injuries you have sustained. Whether it means scheduling medical appointments and treatments to resolve them, make sure your health remains a priority. Also, if you start to notice emotional and behavioural changes, make sure to address these immediately so that they don’t interfere with your daily life.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings/Warn Others: One thing an assault will teach you is the need to be cautious of your surroundings. First of all, you should pay careful attention to your neighbourhood, your neighbours, and risky areas nearby. In addition, you should also note times during the day that pose risks to your safety. If you are a parent, make it a priority to teach your children safety tips that can prevent them from being assaulted. These precautions can go a long way in your effort to prevent future attacks on you or your family.
Learn how to Defend Yourself: If you feel like the threat of another attack will always be a possibility, then self-defense training can be a great way to help you build confidence. It’s important to understand that self-defense courses will not make you invincible, and they serve merely as a way to escape a potentially life-threatening situation or outcome. With that said, however, there are effective martial art styles that can teach you some basic techniques to defend yourself if you ever encounter an attacker in the future.
Don’t Let Assault Defeat You
If you or a family member are trying to recover from an assault, don’t let the trauma overcome you. There’s no doubt that the recovery process can be difficult, especially with the emotions and physical pain that it may bring. However, with the support of a personal injury law firm, you can expect to recover and return to a secure state of mind despite the difficulties you face. The personal injury lawyers assigned to you will make sure that attackers face the consequences while you receive the compensation you require.
In addition to seeking legal support, never forget to involve your loved ones, and also make sure to stay healthy and avoid situations that could lead to further trouble. These practical tips will make it possible for you to concentrate on the things you enjoy, rather than the constant anxiety of your personal safety.
If you have been assaulted, don’t let it go unnoticed. Give us a call at our toll-free number, [wtsphone tollfree_link] or email us so that we can help.
