Divorce-Related Violence In Fort Lauderdale: Tragic Consequences And How To Reduce Your Risks

The impending loss of meaningful relationships with loved ones can come as a devastating blow. Regardless of how bad things may have gotten during your marriage, your spouse may refuse to accept the reality of a divorce. If you are facing this situation, be aware of how dangerous it can be.

Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer protects the legal rights and safety of clients in these cases. We want you to be aware of how increasingly angry and aggressive some soon-to-be former spouses can get, the tragic consequences that can result, and how to reduce your risks.

Divorce Proves Deadly For Broward County Woman

When a Broward County woman disappeared back in November of 2022, her friends and family worried the worst had happened. She was in the process of ending an unhappy marriage and was divorcing her spouse. However, as they shared a home, they continued living together. This is not uncommon and is a choice people often feel forced to take due to financial concerns or other reasons.

In this case, it had tragic consequences. Her loved one’s worst fears were realized when, after an exhaustive search, the woman’s body was discovered in a wooded area in Miami-Dade County. According to a September 12, 2024, NBC News 6 report, her estranged husband pleaded guilty and was sentenced recently to 55 years in state prison.

Unfortunately, this type of tragic situation is not uncommon. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reports that of the nearly 5,000 women who are murdered each year in the United States, more than a third die at the hands of a spouse, ex-spouse, or live-in boyfriend.

Women are not the only victims. Men can be targets of divorce-related violence in Fort Lauderdale as well. The BJS reports that over 1,000 men in the U.S. are killed each year by their wives, ex-wives, or other intimate partners.

Know The Warning Signs of Divorce-Related Violence In Fort Lauderdale

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) states that police departments receive over 100,000 reports of domestic violence each year. In thousands of other cases, fear or shame keeps victims from ever reporting this crime.

Domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, or socio-economic status. Unfortunately, when dealing with a potentially volatile spouse, filing for a divorce can increase the risks. Warning signs to be alert for include:

• A history of angry outbursts or making threats;
• Refusing to accept the reality of an impending divorce;
• Blaming you for the breakup and trying to get revenge;
• Having easy access to guns, knives, or other weapons.

For Trusted Legal Help, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Today

Getting a divorce is rarely easy. However, in some cases, the situation can quickly escalate to the point where your spouse’s behavior puts you at risk. If you have concerns about your safety, get the trusted legal help you need at the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto.

We take the legal actions needed to protect you, providing caring support and professional representation throughout the divorce process. Call or contact us online today. Schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer.

Sources:

nbcmiami.com/news/local/man-accused-of-killing-wife-hiding-body-in-wooded-area-sentenced-to-55-years/3416132/

bjs.ojp.gov/female-murder-victims-and-victim-offender-relationship-2021

myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence/resources/domestic-violence-statistics