Bronx Domestic Violence Attorney

When you work with my firm, you can be confident that your case is in good hands. I have been serving the Bronx area since 1989, and I am proud to have an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of the various New York and federal laws governing family law matters and divorce. If you are considering filing a petition for a family law concern, do not hesitate to retain me as your Bronx domestic violence lawyer.

Bronx Domestic Violence Lawyer

Experienced Family Law Attorney in New York City

Each year, thousands of individuals become victims of domestic violence or are directly affected by the repercussions of abuse. Often, victims do not approach law enforcement to report the abuse. Victims are sometimes afraid of their abusers; other times, they aren’t aware of their rights. 

Domestic violence is a serious crime. The good news is, victims have a right to take a legal stand against their batterers.

Helping Survivors and the Falsely Accused

If you or someone you love is being victimized, we urge you to contact the Bronx domestic violence attorney at The Law Office of Ava G. Gutfriend right away. At my firm, I stand ready to aggressively defend the rights of individuals. I will work to protect you and your family. A domestic violence attorney in Bronx, such as myself, can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

My firm also represents those who have been wrongfully charged with domestic violence. If you’ve been accused or served an order of protection, don’t wait to reach out to our domestic violence lawyer in the Bronx. I will work to correct the wrongs against you and defend your rights and freedoms. You can rely on my steadfast and trustworthy counsel.


Call (888) 448-2068 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with our leading Bronx domestic violence lawyer today! 


What Is a Domestic Act of Violence?

A domestic act of violence, or domestic violence, is part of a pattern of “abusive tactics, threats, and actions” perpetrated by someone within your domestic circle. The violence could be physical, psychological, or anything in between. In New York, these acts are charged as family offenses

Potential perpetrators include:

  • Spouse (current or former)
  • Unmarried partner
  • Family member
  • Parents, such as in cases of child abuse

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sex, sexuality, socioeconomic status, etc. 

Please note: Other names for domestic violence include domestic abuse, domestic assault, intimate partner violence (IPV), relationship abuse, and dating abuse. 

Contact us online or call (888) 448-2068 to request your comprehensive consultation with our trusted Bronx domestic violence lawyer today!

Types of Domestic Violence

The three most common types of domestic abuse are:

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse

To help you better understand your situation, let’s take a closer look at the different types of abuse.

Physical Abuse

When most people hear “domestic violence,” they think of physical violence.

Some examples of physical abuse are:

  • Throwing objects at you
  • Punching, kicking, slapping, biting, or choking
  • Using or threatening to use weapons against you
  • Forcing drugs or alcohol on you
  • Not letting you sleep
  • Not letting you eat or drink
  • Not letting you leave your home or room

Sexual Abuse

Intimate partner sexual violence and abuse include but are not limited to:

  • Guilting, manipulating, or forcing you into having sex (e.g. rape)
  • Physically holding you down during a sexual act
  • Choking you during sex without getting consent first
  • Insulting you in sexual contexts without consent
  • Ignoring how you feel about sex
  • Other nonconsensual sex acts

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be hard to spot, especially when you’re in the thick of it. 

This is because the abuser often tries to convince the victim that they are only acting out of love, that their abusive behavior is normal, and/or that the victim is overreacting. If the abuser does admit to doing something wrong, they often try to claim that the victim is really the one to blame. 

Examples of emotional abuse include:

  • Gaslighting
  • Acting overly possessive of you
  • Isolating you from friends and family
  • Humiliating you in front of others
  • Constantly criticizing you or calling you names
  • Guilting you into doing things out of jealousy
  • Controlling what you wear and how you cut your hair
  • Accusing you of cheating for no reason
  • Cheating on you to “teach you a lesson”

Other Common Types of Abuse

Domestic abuse also includes:

  • Sexual coercion
  • Reproductive coercion
  • Financial abuse
  • Digital abuse
  • Stalking

Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, it is very important for your own safety and well-being to get immediate help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Other resources can be found on the Department of Justice (DOJ) website.

Should I Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer in NY?

Domestic violence is not isolated to one neighborhood, one gender, one income level, or any particular type of person. On the contrary, abuse and violence run rampant throughout the Bronx, New York, and the entire United States.

Seeking help is one of the best things that victims can do—and there are many options available to them. Law enforcement does not take allegations of abuse lightly, and the state has established safe houses to help protect victims and their families.

Standing with Survivors for Over 30 Years

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, I want you to know that you are not alone. What has happened is not your fault—no matter what your abuser says. In fact, domestic violence is never the victim’s fault.

The state of New York grants you certain rights as a survivor. My firm is here to protect those rights.

Skilled Help Filing Restraining Orders

My firm is highly experienced in helping survivors get restraining orders against abusers. 

You may qualify for a temporary order of protection. This is a type of restraining order that will last until your next court date. A temporary order may be upgraded to a final order of protection, which lasts between two and five years.

Guidance Through Divorce and Child Custody

Inhumane treatment is grounds for divorce. You may also be able to gain custody of your children. I can also assist you with obtaining a favorable visitation schedule with the other parent or, in some cases, limiting their visitation because of a history of violence.

If you are a victim, or if you know someone who has been a victim of domestic violence, The Law Office of Ava G. Gutfriend can help. You can entrust your future, your well-being, and your protection to my firm.

The sooner you work with an experienced Bronx domestic violence lawyer, the sooner you can begin to heal.

Representation for Wrongful Accusations of Domestic Abuse in NY 

The Law Office of Ava G. Gutfriend also represents parents and spouses who have been hit with false accusations of domestic violence. While rare, it does happen. 

There are cases in which the accused was only acting in self-defense—often, they are defending themselves from abuse by the accuser. Other times, the accuser is looking to gain an upper hand in a civil proceeding.

If you have found yourself in this situation, our Bronx domestic violence attorney wants to help. 

Ethical Treatment, Compassionate Legal Counsel

This time in your life can be frightening, but you have somewhere to turn. At my firm, I provide virtuous and ethical treatment to every one of my clients. I have established a reputation for success in the legal community, and I may be able to help you as well. 

Whether you are looking to file criminal charges against your abuser, obtain an order of protection, or file for divorce, turn to my firm for help. As a domestic violence attorney in the Bronx, I offer case evaluations to all potential clients.


Schedule your consultation with our domestic violence attorney in the Bronx by calling (888) 448-2068 or contacting us online today!


put our respected firm in your corner

When you’re ready to take the next step, our experienced legal team is right here to help. Find out what it’s like to work with us in an initial consultation. We will discuss your case, taking care to explain your options and legal rights. To schedule a consultation, contact The Law Office of Ava G. Gutfriend by submitting a case evaluation form or calling us directly. I look forward to providing you with outstanding representation, trusted advocacy, and experienced counsel.

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