Transnational domestic violence cases: How can you protect yourself from spousal abuse through international legal channels?
Case Overview:
After marrying her foreign husband abroad, Ms. Zhang soon discovered his violent tendencies and often physically and mentally abused her after being drunk. Despite repeated attempts to communicate with him, the violence continued to escalate. Ms. Zhang sought help from Financial Legal Aid for multinational legal protection.
Legal Response:
Evidence collection and legal consultation:
Ms. The law firm first helped Ms. Zhang organize her evidence and evaluate the domestic violence protection laws in her country of residence.
Applying for a temporary restraining order:
Financial Legal Aid assisted Ms. Zhang in applying to the court in her country for a temporary restraining order requiring her husband to stay away from her and her residence. The company also recommended that Ms. Zhang seek a local women’s shelter to temporarily ensure her safety.
Cross-border litigation and divorce proceedings:
Because Ms. Zhang’s husband is a foreigner, Financial Legal Aid initiated cross-border divorce proceedings to help her apply for divorce through local courts and fight for custody of her and her children. In addition, the firm helped Ms. Zhang apply for an injunction in her husband’s home country to prevent him from further harassment in the country.
Results and Summary:
With the help of her law firm, Ms. Zhang successfully handled the divorce and obtained custody of her children. The legal team employed multiple legal systems to ensure her safety and uphold her rights. The case reminds victims of domestic violence that protection from transnational laws is possible and that no one should endure it silently.
