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About Laura Giles
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions related to filing charges, support groups, leaving, safety planning, getting a protective order, getting counseling, or staying.

Experience
I worked as a domestic violence advocate in the court system. I am also a counselor.

Education/Credentials
B.S. Human Services Counseling
Master of Social Work

   

You are here:  Experts > People/Relationships > Marriage > Domestic Violence

Questions Answered By Expert  Laura Giles 
In Category  Domestic Violence

SubjectDate Asked

Emotionally Abused with Toddler in Home11/19/2009
  Q: I am young and scared. I am 22 years old and a mother of a 12 month old beautiful baby girl. I have ...
  A: First of all, you HAVE TO tell your parents how he treats you. The silence is what allows the abuse ...
Need help. Will I lose the kids if I report? Is there another way?11/2/2009
  Q: I need help and stumbled across this forum. My husband and I have been best friends since ...
  A: I want you to go back and read what you just sent me and ask yourself if this sounds like a rational ...
domestics around my daughter.10/23/2009
  Q: I am the mother of a 9 year old daughter. Her father and I have joint legal and physical custody. ...
  A: You really need to talk to a domestic violence advocate in your area. If your judge is willing to ...
Psychological Abuse10/12/2009
  Q: Laura, Yesterday you answered a question for me about domestic violence in my family with my sons. ...
  A: If you like your therapist and think that he/she is helping, I would ask that person to review your ...
Psychological Abuse10/11/2009
  Q: I asked my husband to leave the home 8 months ago. We were married 24 years. He is now living with ...
  A: You seem to have a mental health emergency on your hands. If your son is suicidal, your first task ...
verbal abuse in front of children9/14/2009
  Q: I have 3 kids w/ex-husband. He is a great dad, we get along. His live in girlfriend of 4 yrs and he ...
  A: You can always petition the court for a change of custody. If the girlfriend is being abusive, you ...
recent charges filed...afraid9/12/2009
  Q: i had been seeing man for 6 months..who told me that his ex-girlfriend had falsely filed charges on ...
  A: YES! You did the right thing by protecting your safety and possibly the safety of others. Had other ...
abuse9/3/2009
  Q: I know that abuse and arguing in a home has a negative impact on our children. I have been going ...
  A: You cannot be held legally responsible for abandoning an abusive home. You are not stuck. This is ...
charges of assault on a female by my boyfriend6/8/2009
  Q: I have been in a relationship for 2 years now off and on. I have 3 children that I am raising. My ...
  A: He ONLY pushed the refrigerator door on you and hit the fridge? ONLY? You both need treatment. You ...
marriage5/17/2009
  Q: I ve been married for 6yrs and I ve 2 childern. for those 6yrs, i ve never felt like one with my ...
  A: From the information you provided, there seems to be no good reason to return to your marriage. Why ...
Should I leave him?5/11/2009
  Q: Long story. Thank you for taking the time to read this! My boyfriend and I have been together for ...
  A: Your question is, "Should I leave him?" If the relationship is abusive, unhealthy, and not likely to ...
Mental Abuse4/24/2009
  Q: My husband and I have been together for 13 years. we have two children they are 10 and 7. I have ...
  A: My advice is to speak to your local domestic violence advocate to create a safety plan and a plan of ...
Abusive Marriage4/17/2009
  Q: I've been married for five years and the entire time I have been a victim of emotional and verbal ...
  A: My advice is that you leave. The reason is, if he leaves, he will most likely just come and go at ...
He Will Not Forgive4/7/2009
  Q: My husband and I were having problems. I became friends with a male co-worker, and I confided in ...
  A: If you want to move forward with your husband, the best thing you can do is to try to understand ...
Abusive Husband3/30/2009
  Q: I have been in an abusive marriage for two and a half years. I have 2 daughters (13 & 10) from a ...
  A: Take the house. Move in a direction of health. If your husband does the same, you can reconcile at ...
child survivor of child abuse in an abusive home3/1/2009
  Q: I want to speak to women with children in abusive relationships as I am a survivor of an abusive ...
  A: Your goals are excellent! Best of luck with that. My suggestion is to let your local domestic ...
divorce2/26/2009
  Q: Ok I've been in a relationship with my husband. Then we got married and have been for three years ...
  A: My advice is to do one thing at a time. Think about what it is you really want and commit to ...
Leaving an abusive relationship.2/18/2009
  Q: I am a 21 year old married, full time student, mother.My husband and I haven't even been married a ...
  A: Please check out this website: http://www.domesticviolence.org/violence-wheel/. It will help to ...
shocked2/9/2009
  Q: I've recently started dating a man and we've really hit it off. He's handsome, smart, funny, rich ...
  A: >>>>> 1. Do you think I should have a discussion with him and ask him about his blog? Absolutely ...
How much should I put up with?2/5/2009
  Q: I have been married for 4 years, and have two children. Since the birth of my first child 4 years ...
  A: Your question is, "How much should I put up with?" You should never put up with so much that your ...
sucking a boy's dick12/31/2008
  Q: .. i'm a girl and i'm 12 years old and i'm in grade 7. i was molested a year ago but i didn't know ...
  A: I agree with the other advice you have gotten. Tell your parents. While you may not think that this ...
Domestic Violence11/19/2008
  Q: I have been married since July 3, 2007 to a Staff Sargeant in the Army National Guard. He left for a ...
  A: I am surprised that you haven't been contacted by your local domestic violence advocate or Victim ...
Domestic Abuse/Court/Future11/11/2008
  Q: There is a lot of background to our relationship, including a few incidents of being pushed, ...
  A: I am sorry that you and your children had to endure this experience. You have the absolute right ...
Drunk abusive husband11/1/2008
  Q: I guess like most ppl i already know the answer deep inside but maybe need validation? I have been ...
  A: You have two difficult to resolve problems: alcoholism and domestic violence. The statistic is ...
bully or not..?10/28/2008
  Q: I have a boyfriend and we’ve been seeing each other for 4 months. We’re having long distance ...
  A: This is not a healthy relationship. Your boyfriend shows a lot of signed of at least being ...
Am i doing the right thing?10/5/2008
  Q: "I have been married for 9 years. After being married for 3 mths my husband, due to low esteem ...
  A: It's never too late to leave an abusive relationship. Nine months of no hitting is not a lot ...
domestic violence9/21/2008
  Q: I have been with my parter for three years and for two and a half years he has been beating me ...
  A: The only way you will survive is if you leave without telling him. He would not permit it. Victims ...
Abuse9/16/2008
  Q: I am 18 years old and I am currently in a long distants relationship with a guy of now 3 years. He ...
  A: Abuse robs you of your self-esteem. That's why you can't help yourself. This man has brain washed ...
confused9/2/2008
  Q: I have been with my husband for 3 1/2 years up until last week, in this time he has come at me with ...
  A: What you describe is typical of the domestic violence experience. PLEASE continue to stay in contact ...
Stay/Divorce8/29/2008
  Q: I have been married 19 years to the same man. Have been mentally abused the whole time. I pretty ...
  A: My advice is to find a domestic violence support group and start attending that. That will help you ...
My custody rights.8/15/2008
  Q: 10 years ago, May 1998, in Southern California, I fled in the middle of the night to a domestic ...
  A: I can understand your point of view. Nobody wants to put their children out there to be hurt. Nobody ...
My custody rights.8/15/2008
  Q: 10 years ago, May 1998, in Southern California, I fled in the middle of the night to a domestic ...
  A: You already have "legal custody" of your daughter, but her father still has rights. The only way ...
Mentally Abusive Husband7/2/2008
  Q: I have been married for 7 years to a man who one minute is sweet and loving and the next, tells me I ...
  A: My advice for your husband is to consult with a LENS provider. LENS is a technique that helps people ...
filing for divorce/separation during time of protective order6/16/2008
  Q: I saw another message & noticed you are in VA. I hope you can help me. My husband assaulted me 2 ...
  A: Virginia does not recognize a "legal separation." You can, however, file for spousal and child ...
Thinking about the future.4/5/2008
  Q: My fiance and i just had our 3 issue with domestic violence. This time it ended up with him getting ...
  A: Oh! Okay. Gotcha. Thank you for the clarification. Yes, DCF has the power to lift any conditions ...
Thinking about the future.4/5/2008
  Q: My fiance and i just had our 3 issue with domestic violence. This time it ended up with him getting ...
  A: Given the facts of your situation, I am really surprised that you are asking me whether or not your ...
I need a good suggestion1/7/2008
  Q: I am a 17 year old living in Texas. I am pregnant of 8 months. Not too long along my boyfriend and I ...
  A: Your question is, "I still try to make something out of this relationship for my childs sake?" after ...
simple assault and court behaviour-urgent help required12/15/2007
  Q: On 12 Dec after coming from office at 6.30 P.M, I told my wife get ready and we will go out for ...
  A: >>>> 1. My wife knows that she got hurted from stairs earlier before I lighly slapped her on cheek ...
simple assault and court behaviour-urgent help required12/14/2007
  Q: On 12 Dec after coming from office at 6.30 P.M, I told my wife get ready and we will go out for ...
  A: >>>> Court hearing is on coming Wednesday. Can we both go together or not? Yes, you can go ...
My husband got a temp. order of protection and I want my husband to come home !!!10/23/2007
  Q: The court order a temp.order of protection- meaning he cant come home,cant call me or see he's ...
  A: First you should read the protective order to see what is says. If it's an emergency protective ...
plese help me10/21/2007
  Q: I am 17 year's old,and was dating a 25 year old,he has a bad criminal record,and we fight alot ...
  A: You are not going to like my answer, but here it goes... First, I don't know what state you are ...
How do abusive people seem to have the victom accused10/16/2007
  Q: I was in a verbally abusive relationship for about a year. We all know they start out as the love of ...
  A: Your situation is not unique. That's what batterers do. They are very skilled manipulators. ...
Request for an interview10/15/2007
  Q: Would you please answer the following questions as part of a research project? I was told to ...
  A: >>> 1. Why do you focus more on these areas? (Choice, job mandated, because of the victims’ needs, ...
Temporary restraining order10/3/2007
  Q: I live in VA and was given a temporary restraining order for family abuse. Spouse dramatized the ...
  A: No, you do not need a lawyer to represent you in a protective order situation. Juvenile and domestic ...
No One in Charge9/19/2007
  Q: I’m in a sexual assault survivors group with someone who is being encouraged by the crisis center to ...
  A: The advice for any victim/survivor of abuse is always going to be individual because no one has the ...
ADULT ABUSE CHARGE9/14/2007
  Q: my wife and i had a dispute 6 months ago and she call the police and got a tro. she did not pursue ...
  A: I can't help you. Sorry. You need the advice of an attorney. I am not sure about the laws in your ...
Protection for my child8/30/2007
  Q: On August 23rd my husband slapped our child who is 14 because he was sticking up for me. See my ...
  A: >>> 1) How soon do I need to file or can I still file an order on what he did to my son? I am not ...
when you really don't want to leave...8/27/2007
  Q: I know that if your husband hits you, even one time, you are being abused and should leave. I am a ...
  A: I want you to know that my response is coming from a the perspective of a domestic violence ...
filing charges against my step sons step father8/18/2007
  Q: We are in a custody fight for my step son . His step father has threatened him tonight for the ...
  A: Unless you are talking about threats in conjunction with stalking, threats of non-lethal violence ...
My son was abused8/14/2007
  Q: I am an expert on here and I ask a favor of you, do not be polite, do not worry about spelling and ...
  A: Sounds like you've been pretty proactive, but just in case you or your attorney haven't thought of ...
MEAN HUSBAND7/9/2007
  Q: My husband and I have been married for 4 years, but together for 7. He's is 24, and I am 25. This is ...
  A: You are a typical battered woman. Battering isn't simply about physical abuse. It's about emotional ...
abuse7/8/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: You cannot drop the charges because you are not the one who took them out. If the crown is pursuing ...
abuse7/6/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: I don't know if the court or the military is trying to get you back to Canada under some pretext or ...
abuse7/6/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: I really can't say what will happen in Canada. My experience is based in the USA. It seems rather ...
abuse7/6/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: I am not familiar with Canadian law, but in VA the state also takes out the charges for domestic ...
abuse7/6/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: >> My life is good but all of my hopes and dreams have been shattered. I will never have a 40th ...
Dom Viol Advocate7/6/2007
  Q: I see on your profile that you are a Domestic Violence Advocate. If you could give me some general ...
  A: Hey! Glad to have you aboard! Just locate your closest domestic violence agency and volunteer. ...
abuse7/5/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: Please realize that abusive men are very charming. They are very good at showing their sweet side. ...
abuse7/5/2007
  Q: I was involved in an abusive relationship for 14 years and would not have left(most likely) if my x ...
  A: >> My questions are about court and what to expect Every locality is different so I don't know ...
What's next?6/3/2007
  Q: I have been with my husband for 10 years, married for 7. We have an amazing 7 year old daughter. I ...
  A: Sorry that you find yourself in this position. It sounds like you are doing all the right things for ...
alot of questions~5/29/2007
  Q: I went thru the most painful experience and my ex. is still hurting me and haunting me. I was in a ...
  A: I am sorry that I cannot help you with this. You need to talk to an attorney. You have done all the ...
File a complaint against a mediator5/21/2007
  Q: Ms. Giles, I was recently involved in a lawsuit that was sent to mediation. During the mediation, ...
  A: Arbitration is binding. Whatever decision the arbitrator came to is the same as if you were heard in ...
File a complaint against a mediator5/20/2007
  Q: Ms. Giles, I was recently involved in a lawsuit that was sent to mediation. During the mediation, ...
  A: There are several odd things about your case. 1) Certified mediators are supposed to screen for ...
Immigration and DV5/3/2007
  Q: I'm currently involved in a dv case. I was wondering if you have any advice or information about the ...
  A: Unfortunately I am not an expert on immigration law. I believe the answer varies from state to ...
what can my husband expect in court after charged with abuse?5/1/2007
  Q: I recently had to call the police after my husband left me with a bloody nose and lip. I bonded him ...
  A: I am not sure about Michigan laws or procedures, but many states have a "First Time Offenders" rule ...
What do I do from here?4/24/2007
  Q: I started dating a man who was physically and verbally abusive. In December he gave me a black eye ...
  A: Please see your local domestic violence advocate for specific information on where to go, what to ...
husband beated me and denied in front of police3/28/2007
  Q: Myself Bhakti and i have been married for almost 4 and half years..and i have a one yr old ...
  A: If your husband has a lawyer, you should get one too. You should also call your local domestic ...
mental abuse3/23/2007
  Q: My daughter 22 is dating a guy 21 who I believe is mentally abusing her thru manipulation. Last ...
  A: Your daughter is DEFINITELY being abused, but it is her choice to be in that situation. Until she ...
domestic violence emotional support/leaving12/15/2006
  Q: Single female, early 20's, no children. I'm living with someone who's verbally/physically abusive. ...
  A: I am sorry I cannot answer your question with any specificity because I am not aware of what your ...
Criminal action11/23/2006
  Q: I have red that in the 1970s most states allowed wives to bring criminal action against a husband if ...
  A: I am sorry. I am not an expert on the evolution of domestic violence law or how it is handled ...
Verbal Abuse and Custody11/23/2006
  Q: Today I filed for divorce from a verbally abusive relationship of 5 years. We have a 22 month old ...
  A: You should be looking out for the best interest of the child, not your rights nor your husband's ...
Filing Charges11/10/2006
  Q: "If you can take out charges with the magistrate, that may also be another possibility." What do ...
  A: A magistrate is an appointed person who has the authority to hear evidence and take out warrants. If ...
Filing Charges11/9/2006
  Q: Mother got the crap beat out of her about a week and a half ago. Her Ex that lived with us one night ...
  A: I am very sorry to hear about your experience. You really have to get in touch with a local ...
how to leave a vebal/mentally abusive relationship when there are kids involved11/5/2006
  Q: i am 29, and i currently live with my live in boyfriend of almost 9 years. he had three children ...
  A: I am sorry that you didn't like my response, but that is the best one. I cannot tell you what to do ...
self defense10/17/2006
  Q: its ok to retaliate to repeated domestic violence
  A: That depends on what you mean by "retaliate." If you are planning to hurt someone, that's ...
Need Help on Protective Order8/9/2006
  Q: Ok in actuality I have a number of things I need to ask. But at this time My first issue that I need ...
  A: Sorry your question is a legal one, and I am not an attorney. To answer you would be practicing law ...
Verbal abuse after divorce - in front of kids!8/8/2006
  Q: I filed for divorce from my ex 3years ago and went through hell and back during our divorce due to ...
  A: The answer to your questions are yes, you should get another protective order and yes, you should ...
AM I BEING ABUSED or SETUP7/21/2006
  Q: I assume a person would be reported to Police if they were being Physically Abused in some shape or ...
  A: I am not in a position to define the behavior of you or your wife based on the small bit of ...
Am I being Abused or Setup ???7/20/2006
  Q: My wife Visits Police & makes false accusations of being Abused. Eight months later she revisits ...
  A: A couple of possibilities come to mind. 1) Perhaps you are blind to your own behavior and you are ...
verbal abuse7/19/2006
  Q: I have had a problem since I was married to this man. When we were married he would put me down ...
  A: Since there is only one formal complaints of abuse, there is no track record by which the ...
court7/6/2006
  Q: my worries about shared parenting is that he has done this in front of the children and I'm afraid ...
  A: The best thing you can do is ask your counselor if he/she will testify to what is in the best ...
court7/6/2006
  Q: I filed DV charges on my husband and during the first 2-2 1/2 weeks I was a complete basket case. I ...
  A: You need to find your local domestic violence advocate and talk to her. If she is not helpful, ask ...
domestic abuse legal advise7/6/2006
  Q: my husband and i are are getting a divorce as soon as i can get a lawyer to view all my papers and ...
  A: The first thing you need to do is hook up with a LOCAL domestic violence advocate. I don't know the ...
Can abusers change5/18/2006
  Q: I have lived with my boyfriend now for 11 years. He started out wonderful, very caring, fun, and ...
  A: It's always possible for people to change, but I know that there isn't a "anger management" class ...
support group10/12/2005
  Q: Hi, My name is Eve. I have started a support group for woman who have suffered abuse, divorce, etc. ...
  A: I don't have a means for referring people to you (no links page). I also don't know you, don't know ...
Domestic Violence and Clemency for Women who Kill7/2/2005
  Q: My best friend has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter for killing an abusive husband. We are ...
  A: I wish I could help you, but this is not my area of expertise. Sorry. I would suggest looking for an ...
Getting personal freedom and safety4/2/2005
  Q: Respected Sir/Madam, I am 25 years old unmarried girl. My country is INDIA. My parents and ...
  A: You say that you are Indian. Are you living in India? If so, I am not aware of what the law is or ...
afraid to call police because of own warrant2/18/2005
  Q: My friend has left an abuser boyfriend and is being stalked. He has threatened to kill her and her ...
  A: I can't guarantee that she won't also be arrested for her outstanding warrants, but it seems that ...
Book research1/19/2005
  Q: I am writing a story and need some general info on abuse. What I am interested in is the counseling ...
  A: Sorry, I am not a doctor and don't work in an ER. I know that doctors are supposed to report ...
CHILD ABUSE1/4/2005
  Q: ME AND MY SON HAD AN ALTERCATION IN WHICH HE PUNCH ME IN MY STOMACH. MY HUSBAND GRABBED HIM, IN ...
  A: Your story is unclear. Who was hit with the bat? Your husband or son? Behavior problems is not an ...
leaving and a protective order11/17/2004
  Q: Are there a large amount of women who are able to escape abuse situations? How do they do this? Do ...
  A: I don't know about "large amounts" of women. I know that women DO escape abuse. There are many ways ...
femicide10/6/2004
  Q: I am writing an article on pregnant females that are killed by their husbands, and I was just ...
  A: Domestic violence is about power and control. Abusers feel powerless and the way to have more of ...
arbitration9/15/2004
  Q: I am from Michigan. According to Michigan law, victims of domestic violence are not to enter into ...
  A: I agree with the advice that trying to overturn the arbitration through appeal is an expensive and ...
psychological abuse and custody8/23/2004
  Q: I am 1 year into divorce proceedings, which I filed for. I spent 14 years in a verbally abusive ...
  A: Rather than try to force *him* to have an evaluation, why not take your daughter for one? (Sounds ...
Leaving an abusive spouse5/11/2004
  Q: I am right in the middle of leaving a relationship that has been abusive and continues to be ...
  A: Yes, you can say that you are still scared of him and in need of protection even though you went ...
RO violation4/4/2004
  Q: I am a new mother of a 5 week old little boy. After several years of progressively increasing ...
  A: The answer to your question is going to be specific to your state, so I really don't know how to ...

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