Legal Question in Family Law in Colorado

Abuse

My friend is 15. She will be 16 in July. Her dad is physically abusive to her. He has a history of anger and violence and has had jailtime and classes becuase of this. Him and his wife (her stepmom) treat her like their slave. They make her do all the house work and take care of their two young children (one is 1 yrs old and the other is only a month). The father is very negligent as the 15 yr old daughter has to take care of them. She works for a fast food place in which her father ''borrows'' money from her when shes looking or not. He used to hit her a lot but has held back lately. He has hit her recently, though, and we took pictures of the bruise. Her (real) mother and older sister have both been abused and raped by her father and they are both willing to testify against him. He verbally abuses her intenslly. He's always telling her that she is no good and worthless and a piece of trash. It breaks my heart becuase she cries. Every night and he still gets even madder at her becuase of this. Oh by the way her mom has no custody of her becuase she was financially unable to take care of her at the time. Anyways the girl doesn't provoke him. She goes to church with me (when he allows) and he drinks. Any help please!


Asked on 6/06/04, 2:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
The Harris Law Firm, P.C The Harris Law Firm, P.C.

Re: Abuse

Abusive relationships are difficult enough without the element that the abuse is coming from your own father. Unfortunately, the abuse won't stop unless something is done, such as reporting him to the police. Fortunately you have pictures from the last incident, so you can show those to the police when you make the report. Another option may be seeking a restraining order in order to get her out of that situation asap. I'm not sure what the specifics are with the Mother's situation, but perhaps she is now in a situation where she can be the primary residential parent. Additionally, if Dad has a history of abuse, this will make it very difficult for him to retain custody.

First and foremost, though, I would strongly urge you to contact your local law enforcement agency. Additionally, they can put her in touch with some other agencies or individuals who can assist her with a safety plan.

Good luck!

Christine C. Nierenz, Esq.

Read more
Answered on 6/07/04, 11:13 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Colorado