How can I tell if my friend's fiance is an abuser and if he is, what can I do to help her realize she needs to leave him? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 11, 2009 - 29 answers

My friend and her ex-boyfriend got in a fight, he got violent and beat her up pretty bad. She got in the car with their baby and fled cross-country to stay with her parents. There is a hearing next month to determine custody of the child, and she doesn't want to lose the kid to what is likely going to be an abusive father. Lawyer up, right? Problem is, not a lot of money. Can you point me to any organizations in California that provide pro-bono / sliding-scale / low-cost legal aid services for abused women? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jun 28, 2009 - 10 answers

Last night, a close friend of ours was the victim of a domestic dispute. Her live-in boyfriend became convinced of infidelity in the relationship (a relationship that was headed to the dumps anyway), came back to their apartment, violently pulled her off of the couch screamed at her and repeatedly punched her in the stomach. Police were called, no charges filed (Red flags here). Now she and the daughter are staying with us, but are afraid to return home. Where do we go from here? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 15, 2008 - 10 answers

Scary roommate situation. I want to leave and I'm trying to figure out if I have any way of getting my money back, which I really need to help me get another room. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 5, 2008 - 32 answers

Domestic violence filter : Please help me to cope with my abusive und violent brother. My twin brother gains satisfaction from ruining my life. What shall I do? (lengthy explanation) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 30, 2007 - 38 answers

I was in Mexico for three days with my boyfriend when he because physically violent. It was the first time he had ever done so. I have the bruises and cuts from earlier today. Because the incident took place in Mexico, US police say they cannot do anything. Do I have any options at this point? We're both applying to law schools, and the ABA has strict policies against criminal backgrounds. He's a criminal, but I don't know what to do. I can't believe he's getting away with this.
posted by Mister Fyodor on Mar 9, 2007 - 45 answers